The Prime Ministers
Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to Johnson
Published on 3. September 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
528 pages
978-1-78649-588-4 (ISBN)
Description
'Fascinating, revealing and entertaining.' John Humphrys
'A pure pleasure to read.' Polly Toynbee
'Extraordinary.' Kirsty Wark
A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist.
At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Boris Johnson, it brilliantly brings to life all 10 inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past fifty years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.
'A pure pleasure to read.' Polly Toynbee
'Extraordinary.' Kirsty Wark
A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist.
At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Boris Johnson, it brilliantly brings to life all 10 inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past fifty years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.
Reviews / Votes
A thoughtful and compelling book... the chapters on Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are the jewels in the crown, but the entire set glitter. * Stephen Bush, Observer * Brilliant. * Independent * A fascinating read... Steve's writing is revealing and entertaining. * John Humphrys * A pure pleasure to read. In Richards' bright, sharp portraits of nine prime ministers, all our modern history springs to life. An enlightening retrospective. * Polly Toynbee * A fascinating and balanced review of the leadership strengths and weaknesses in the last nine British Prime Ministers from a journalist who has known them all. * Jon Snow, Channel Four News * Steve Richards' ability to get inside the heads of our modern Prime Ministers is extraordinary - some of them might even look at themselves with a new acuity. * Kirsty Wark * An engaging survey of modern prime ministers... [Richards is] a distinguished and influential political journalist and commentator. * Literary Review * You could not ask for a better qualified guide... than political journalist Steve Richards... the whole book brims with counter-intuitive insights. * Prospect * Entertaining and readable... Richards is a seasoned raconteur. * The Herald * An original twist on a familiar topic... the leaders of both main parties would do well to sit down and read it before the country goes to the polls. * MoneyWeek * There has been no better time to absorb oneself in some modern political history, and there is no better person to guide you through it than Steve Richards. The great thing about Steve's book is that it helps us understand how our last nine prime ministers viewed things themselves and why they took the decisions they did... His book is entertaining, informative and timely. * Evan Davis * Steve Richards offers a real treat to readers. Covering no fewer than nine Prime Ministers, he displays his talents to the full: an unsurpassed grasp of the context of leadership, empathetic yet properly critical assessment of records and a communication style that can reach out to anyone interested in politics and power. * John Bercow * Smart and incisive, from a fine scribe and a wise watcher. Steve Richards is a joy. * James Naughtie * Steve Richards' excellent portraits of Prime Ministers are both penetrating and sympathetic. Written from his expert perspective as a broadcaster and political journalist, this book is deeply insightful about the people who have tried to govern us. * Adam Boulton *More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
1 x 8pp colour plates
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 40 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78649-588-4 (9781786495884)
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
09/2019
Atlantic Books
€11.49
Available for download
Person
Steve Richards is a political columnist, journalist, and presenter. He regularly presents The Week in Westminster on BBC Radio 4 and has presented BBC radio series on Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May. He also presented the BBC TV programmes Leadership Reflections: The Modern Prime Ministers and Reflections: The Prime Ministers We Never Had. He has written for several national newspapers including the Guardian, the Independent and the Financial Times. He also presents a popular political one man show each year at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK.
Content
0: Introduction 1: Harold Wilson 2: Edward Heath 3: James Callaghan 4: Margaret Thatcher 5: John Major 6: Tony Blair 7: Gordon Brown 8: David Cameron 9: Theresa May 10: Conclusion 11: Notes 12: Illustration Credits 13: Acknowledgements 14: Index