Not for Turning
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  • Published: 2 June 2014
  • ISBN: 9780552155793
  • Imprint: Corgi
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 544
  • RRP: $32.99
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Not for Turning

The Life of Margaret Thatcher

Formats & editions
EBook
25 Apr 2013
Audiobook
9 May 2013
Paperback
2 Jun 2014
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The complete life of Margaret Thatcher, written by a member of her inner circle

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.
  • Published: 2 June 2014
  • ISBN: 9780552155793
  • Imprint: Corgi
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 544
  • RRP: $32.99
Categories:

About the author

Robin Harris

Robin Harris began to work for the Conservative Party in 1978, becoming Director of the Conservative Research Department, a government political adviser and a member of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Policy Unit. When Mrs Thatcher left Downing Street, so did he, going on to assist her with books and speeches. In recent years, he has written an authoritative history of the city state of Dubrovnik and an acclaimed biography of the French statesman Talleyrand. He is currently working on a biography of Margaret Thatcher. He lives in London.

Also by Robin Harris

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Praise for Not for Turning

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

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

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

Insightful and very readable. Its strength lies in its personal approach.

Jack Carrigan, Catholic Herald

Remarkable... A vivid and concise study in adversity, triumph and treachery.

Daniel Johnson, Standpoint

Irresistible reading ... the brilliance of Harris's gift for narrative has not deserted him.

Ferdinand Mount, Times Literary Supplement

Excellent

Andrew Gimson, Conservative Home

[Not for Turning] marries first-hand accounts from the subject with Mr Harris's own recollections as a key aide during the second half of her premiership. An enjoyable read.

Western Morning News
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