Mary Robinson: the Authorised Biography by Olivia O'Leary and Helen Burke (Sceptre/Lir, £7.99 in UK)

Given the pedigree of its authors in, respectively, hard-edged current affairs journalism and academe, there are some surprisingly soft-centred aspects to this book, notably the decision to refer to its subject, somewhat cloyingly, as "Mary", throughout, and the enforcement of a slightly awkward "news noir" style on the chapter endings. Those who want a more critical assessment of the Robinson years will have to wait: this is a lively, feelgood and, it must be said, eminently readable account which begins with a rerun of the struggle to introduce contraception legislation and ends with Ireland playing a grown-up role on the European stage. The political portraits, while often amusing, are hardly surprising - dignified Brian Lenihan, fractious Dick Spring, devious Charlie, generous Albert Reynolds, with An Taoiseach emerging as an Ubernice guy. Jaw-dropping, it ain't.