The power of words in politics is well known and the fourth edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Political Quotations brings together both words of wisdom and things that might have been better left unsaid. This unique reference book not only charts the most influential political events of recent times via the things people said about them - including an international financial crisis and a watershed in American presidential politics - but also digs deeper than ever into the rich heritage of political history from around the world.

A mouth-watering collection for anyone with an interest in history and politics, Antony Jay (co-author of the famous TV series Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister) has assembled both a crash course in political wisdom past and present and a treasure trove of politicians' cock-ups and put-downs, with more than 300 new quotations and over 90 new authors, from Sarah Palin to David Cameron by way of Silvio Berlusconi. The dictionary also includes an essay by the political journalist Matthew Parris and keyword and subject indexes to help in tracing just the right quote.

Quotations include:

'The inherited and permanent fact that North America speaks English.' Otto von Bismarck, when asked what was the greatest political fact of modern times

'British jobs for British workers.' Gordon Brown

'If I misspoke that was just a misstatement.' Hillary Rodham Clinton

'You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.' Rahm Emanuel

'A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to excuse his failure to keep his word.' Niccolò Machiavelli

'We are not going to give up our country for a mere X on a ballot. How can a ballpoint pen fight with a gun?' Robert Mugabe

'We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.' Barack Obama