Not for Turning
The Complete Life of Margaret Thatcher
Published on 10. April 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
544 pages
978-0-552-15579-3 (ISBN)
Description
Margaret Thatcher is one of the most iconic politicians of the twentieth century. With the possible exception of Winston Churchill, no other Prime Minister has had such an impact on modern British history. Like it or not, her radical social and economic policies have made Britain the country it is today. Without Margaret Thatcher there could have been no New Labour, no Tony Blair and no David Cameron.
Now Robin Harris, for many years Thatcher's speechwriter, trusted adviser and the draftsman of two volumes of her autobiography, has written the defining book about this indomitable woman. He tells her extraordinary life story, from humble beginnings above her father's grocer's shop in Grantham, her early days as one of the first women in Westminster who became known as 'Thatcher milk-snatcher' during her days in the Ministry for Education and then as Prime Minister. We follow her through the 'Winter of Discontent', the tribulations of the miners' strike and the Falklands War. And Harris writes a stunning account of her exit from power and tells of her life after number 10.
Now Robin Harris, for many years Thatcher's speechwriter, trusted adviser and the draftsman of two volumes of her autobiography, has written the defining book about this indomitable woman. He tells her extraordinary life story, from humble beginnings above her father's grocer's shop in Grantham, her early days as one of the first women in Westminster who became known as 'Thatcher milk-snatcher' during her days in the Ministry for Education and then as Prime Minister. We follow her through the 'Winter of Discontent', the tribulations of the miners' strike and the Falklands War. And Harris writes a stunning account of her exit from power and tells of her life after number 10.
Reviews / Votes
The political biography of the decade * Daily Mail * No-holds-barred, well-written... contains the most authoritative account of her life after leaving office... a dramatic account. -- Philip Webster * The Times * [a] lively and accessible insider's account -- Peter Clarke * Financial Times * After all the eulogies, it is refreshing to read about an odd, driven, believable person - rather than some abstract national saviour or demon... Harris is like a long-faithful courtier freed by a monarch's death to speak the truth about them. -- Andy Beckett * Guardian * Remarkable... A vivid and concise study in adversity, triumph and treachery. -- Daniel Johnson * Standpoint * Readable and well-informed... detailed and fascinating -- Philip Ziegler * Spectator * A pacy and entertaining book... well-sourced and packed with anecdotes. A first rate potted history. -- Patrick O'Flynn * Express * Irresistible reading ... the brilliance of Harris's gift for narrative has not deserted him. -- Ferdinand Mount * Times Literary Supplement * Excellent -- Andrew Gimson * Conservative Home * Insightful and very readable. Its strength lies in its personal approach. -- Jack Carrigan * Catholic Herald *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Transworld Publishers Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 38 mm
Weight
400 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-552-15579-3 (9780552155793)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2013
1st Edition
Transworld Digital
€12.99
Available for download
Person
Robin Harris worked for the Conservative Party from 1978, and increasingly closely with Margaret Thatcher herself from 1985, writing her speeches and advising on policy. By the close of her premiership, he was probably the most trusted member of her political team at Downing Street, and he left Number Ten with her. As a member of her personal staff, he then drafted the two volumes of her autobiography and a further book on her behalf. After Margaret Thatcher's retirement from public life, Robin continued to see her regularly as a friend until her death.