The South China Morning Post had a lengthy article reviewing the latest book by Chris Patten, former - and of course the last - Governor of Hong Kong.

Jacques Chirac is ignorantly hostile to reform; Pervez Musharraf is "not a democrat"; and Dick Cheney's style is to stick up "two fingers" to the outside world. Oh, and Vladimir Putin is a liar.

Former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten has let rip at the world's great and good in his latest book.

Mr Patten, who stood down as European Union external relations chief last year, ending more than a decade on the world's public stage, pulls few punches in recounting behind-the-scenes tales of life at the top.

"Not Quite the Diplomat" is not only about indiscretions: the book sets out his views on everything from Turkey's EU hopes and the Iraq war to China's rising world role and resurgent hopes for Middle East peace.

But colourful swipes and acerbic anecdotes litter the tome, written from the comfort of Mr Patten's new home back in his native England, where he is Chancellor of Oxford University.

"It says much of what I've wanted to say, but until now couldn't say candidly, about Britain, Europe, America and our rapidly changing world," writes the 60 year-old.

Full details in the attachement.. but for the real dirt - buy the book!