READING like a veritable who's who of 20th century politics - coupled with more than a sprinkling of cultural icons - Lord James Douglas-Hamilton's memoirs does not disappoint as an inspiring page-turner.

In this 281-page paperback, entitled 'After You, Prime Minister', published by Stacey International, Lord James, 67, who now sits in the House of Lords as Lord Selkirk of Douglas, chronicles a fascinating life from his childhood days at Lennoxlove House to a 23-year political career at Westminster and later an MSP at Holyrood.

Lord James, who lives in North Berwick with his wife Susie, Lady Selkirk, has been a spectator at some of the most significant historical events of the last century, including the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and the world-changing 'Ich bin ein Berliner' speech by John F Kennedy.

As a boxer at Oxford University, he traded blows with the famous Antarctic explorer Ranulph Fiennes and was eventually elected to the coveted position of president of the Oxford Union.

The often humorous and entertaining 'semi-autobiography' is peppered with exchanges with a galaxy of political illuminaries, including a militant Malcolm X, former British Prime Minster Harold Macmillan and the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher - given a nod in the book's title. Sir Malcolm Rifkind provides the foreword.

Lord James, formerly Conservative MP for Edinburgh West, has four sons - Andrew, Charles, Harry and Jamie.

He said: "I hope the book will be found entertaining to those who dip into it but the real purpose was to encourage young people into public life. That is incredibly important.

"Much of the book was handwritten and then typed up for the publishers,and it took about two years from start to finish and I felt it was a very enjoyable process."

The author has previously penned 'Motive for a Mission: The Story Behind Rudolf Hess' Flight to Britain'; 'The Air of Battle'; and 'Roof of the World: Man's First Flight Over Everest'.

In one chapter of his memoirs, amiable Lord James sheds more light on the events of May 10, 1941 when Hitler's deputy Rudolph Hess parachuted from his aircraft onto a Lanarkshire field in a supposed attempt to make contact with Lord James's father, the 14th Duke of Hamilton.

The true purpose of Hess's bizarre journey is an enduring Second World War mystery. Using recently disclosed secret service archives, Lord James attempts to dispel some of the myths.

The extraordinary achievements of Lord James's father, a former Scottish Middleweight boxer and the first man to pilot a flight over Mount Everest, are also highlighted.

"I think three stories in the book will be of particular interest," said Lord James.

"Firstly, Hess's solo flight to Scotland and the recently published M15 documents which corroborate my father's story.

"Secondly, Lady Thatcher's introduction of the community charge - the poll tax - and finally when I disclaimed my hereditary peerage in order to continue serving with the Conservatives in Parliament."

Of his political achievements, Lord James said he was proud to have successfully lobbied for Concorde to be installed at East Fortune's National Museum of Flight - "important for tourism in Scotland and East Lothian", and his key role in the formation of the Children Scotland Act 1995.