"After examining what the job of prime minister demands of its holders in the way of public communication, and what resources are available, the book goes on to trace the growth of the Downing Street press office from inconspicuous beginnings to contentious prominence. "But many factors affecting a prime minister's public image are not open to direct control: the book explores a contrasting selection of these, including political rumours, political places (the nature of a 'capital city'), political cartoons (a range of which is reproduced in the book) and media barons. The focus is contemporary and there are frequent international comparisons, especially with the USA."--Jacket.