Many years ago (July 1987 to be precise) Heinemann were all set to publish another ho-hum spy memoir by a not-very-famous spy, Peter Wright. The history of what happened next is best described in The Spycatcher Trial by the distinguished Australian lawyer (and now politician) Malcolm Turnbull. At some point (and I'm really not sure when or why) the British Prime Minister of the time, Margaret Thatcher, decided she'd like a bit of publishing limelight and appointed herself marketing director for Heinemann by trying to have the book banned.

She was a spectacular success and within weeks Spycatcher was an international bestseller. Overall I think about 4 million copies were sold. I imagine the initial estimate was for 5000 copies. It showed the power of prime ministers in marketing roles.

I was therefore particularly pleased to see that Tony Blair has decided to follow Thatcher's lead not just in economic and social policies but in supporting the book trade. He has been appointed marketing director for our latest title from Boxtree and here is a link to his first effort in the new role - about 12 minutes into the speech.

Today is the publication day of Giant Leaps, a collaboration between The Sun newspaper (this morning's typically glorious headline - 'PC gone mad - racist jelly baby farce - £1/4m black sweets trial'), the Science Museum and Boxtree. The idea is to attract more people to understand science through the use of catchy headlines supported by impeccable educational and scientific text. The book is being backed by the great and the good of science (see below) and politics as part of Britain's desire (and need?) to become the global hub for research and development and the prior requirement for a scientifically literate population.

Go for it, Tony.

What the
experts say

BARONESS GREENFIELD

HEAD of the Royal Institution of top scientists says: “It teaches people about science without being pious. It is highly readable – and highly look-at-able.”

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

THE broadcaster, author and naturalist says: “I read Giant Leaps from cover to cover. I found it a very innovative and exciting book.”

SIR PATRICK MOORE

THE astronomer says: “I enjoyed it immensely. It is beautifully put together and imparts a lot of knowledge in an attractive way. Above all, it is FUN.”

JON SNOW

THE newscaster says: “If only I’d had a book like this – compelling. It’s a genuine come-on to kids to log-in to science. Well done The Sun. Go to the top of the class!”

ROBERT WINSTON

THE science presenter says: “An inventive, appealing, really riveting way to depict science and technology. It will excite young people . . . and oldies like myself.”

PROF COLIN BLAKEMORE

THE Chief Exec of the Medical Research Council says: “It captures the magic of science. I hope it also captures the imagination of young people.”