Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: A Political Marriage

by Nicholas Wapshott

An incisive dual portrait of a seminal Anglo-American friendship takes a close-up look at the relationship between political allies and soulmates Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, profiling a complex, deeply personal, and influential friendship and its transformative impact on the history of the twentieth century. 50,000 first printing.

Genres: History, Politics, Biography, Nonfiction, Presidents, British Literature, American History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8, 2007

About the author

Nicholas Wapshott is a journalist and the author of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: A Political Marriage. A former senior editor at The Times of London and the New York Sun, he lives in New York.

Reviews

[Desirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating in a strange kind of way - it felt a bit more centric on Reagan, honestly.

To be totally honest, though, I wanted to read this because of The Crown.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, read for a class (that's all I seem to do anymore). Excellent, highly recommend!

[Kathleen C]

Some thoughts in no particular order:
• Many of Reagan and Thatcher's speeches and phone calls were quoted, and it was cool to be able to go watch those speeches for myself. A perk of reading about a more recent president.
• I don't usually feel this way but I actually found the political part of the book (second half, about their time as president and PM) more interesting than the early life portion.
• I really enjoyed the way this was a book comparing them both and also focusing on their relationship, more than I probably would have enjoyed two individual biographies.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship of US President Ronald Reagan with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was frequently compared to that of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II. In Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: A Political Marriage, author Nicholas Wapshott compares the lives, careers, and political beliefs to analyze how similar they were and discusses how these conservative roots made it natural that they would develop common goals. They were both strong anti-communists and pushed for similar economic policies using tax cuts to boost their economies. The term political marriage is not too far off the mark. Like married couples they got along well because of what they had in common, but also had their disagreements as well. Through the worldwide ups and downs they generally had each others backs and shared opinions and strategies as they dealt with events from the British invasion to reclaim the Falkland Islands and the US invasion of Grenada to protect the safety of American students there. They closely coordinated strategies for dealing with the Soviet Union that inevitably lead to its collapse. There are plenty of facts and stories of each of their early years that really help to understand their characters.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

I try to read a diverse slate of biographies and books from the "left" and the "right." This was a book that many people recommended reading about conservativism.

Naturally, I have a lot of thoughts about Reagan, but I know less about Thatcher. So I was intrigued to read a book that discussed both of them in tandem.

For those looking for a deep policy dive into either person--this is not your book. For those looking for a in-depth policy dive at all really--this is not your book. This book is focused on the relationship and rise of Thatcher and Reagan and their political marriage/friendship more than anything else. So at the heart of this book, it's a book talking about the interactions between them. The support they gave each other, at times, their disagreements, etc.

For what this book is, I enjoyed it. It was intriguing to learn more about this unique friendship.

My review is not meant to reflect my opinions about their policy, but just the book itself.

[Stephanie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about a fascinating friendship. A very solid 4.5 stars.

[Ray Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: A Political Marriage" is a sentimental journey through the years Reagan and Thatcher pursued their vision of conservatism and worked together to end the Cold War. The book begins with biographical sketches of both Reagan and Thatcher from early childhood to their journeys to power. The bulk of the book covers the major events of the years they held office.

Wapshott is clearly biased doing little to hide his affection for Reagan and Thatcher and his admiration of their affection for each other. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to read a book about shared vision and leadership. At a time when the world needed confidence, these bold leaders worked together to inspire a generation. It is easy to criticize any administration. Many of Reagan's domestic policies were later blamed for amplifying social issues and his economic success was based on war-time spending in an effort to out maneuver the Soviets with military technology. Wapshott covers none of this. The focus is clearly on what went right.

Thatcher and Reagan had a very close relationship and shared a vision they pursued together. In the end, they brought tremendous positive change, leadership and confidence at a time when the world needed strength. The book is narrative and pleasant to read with many letters and personal documents quoted. Despite it's superficial look at the period, I think Wapshott makes an excellent point and presents an entertaining and honest argument. Reagan and Thatcher were political soulmates and their partnership left the world with more freedom and democracy.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating character study on two indelible figures in conservative politics. Having grown up in this period but not having been so cognizant of all that was going on around me, it was interesting to get the back story on events in history like the Falklands war, the invasion of Grenada and the assassination attempt on President Reagan.

The "special relationship" that the United States shares with Great Britain seems at odds with our start at the great experiment of democracy. However, the same ideals are shared by both countries and this book gave insight to precisely how close these two leaders were. I believe Tony Blair and Bill Clinton could be compared except the uniqueness of the male/female world leaders with Reagan and Thatcher.

Thatcher was truly a strong, independent woman who was no shrinking violet. She voiced her concerns and opinions freely. Ronald Reagan seemed to be a very unique personality in allowing her to rant but always seemed to "kiss and make up."

The letters they wrote to one another showed the mutual respect and affection they had for one another. They fought but they always seemed to come together to form an incredible alliance that the rest of the world gave deferrence to. Whether you like either leader or agree with their politics, it is easy to get caught up in the stories of these two unlikely people who helped change the face of history.

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it interesting and informative regarding the relationship and collaboration between Reagan and Thatcher, but found it lacking (at times annoyingly) in the surrounding writing. When writing of either Reagan or Thatcher dealing with other business beyond the relationship between them, the writing was incoherent. He would write about the issues one faced and but fail to follow up on it while jumping forward with their relationship. For example, he wrote of the massive unpopularity of Thatcher in her early years, but later he writes of her landslide reelection without ever saying what changed. The writer did a great job covering the Reagan-Thatcher relationship, but the surrounding scenes playing out wasn't covered well and left me wondering what happened. In short, I feel the writer should have done a better job with the surrounding events to compliment the core topic properly.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book about Reagan and Thatcher and their unusually close friendship, which some would claim helped lead the world out of the Cold War. It's very readable and interesting all the way through. Though many political events and dates are covered, it never gets dry because the author keeps the focus on the people and the friendship.

This book was particularly engaging to me because it covers a period of time and events that I remember from my childhood and teenage years. (Ex: I remember in grade school when they announced that Reagan had been shot and in high school when the Berlin Wall came down). It was interesting to match up my childhood recollection of events to those described in the book and look at them with an adult perspective.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice departure from some of the fiction that I've been reading of late. Great portraits of some of the world's leaders during the 80s. Appreciated a better understanding of both the Falkland and Grenada conflicts.

What I most appreciated was the correspondence between the two leaders. In an age of digital media, it feels as though this is a lost art. The mutual appreciation and trust exhibited through their letters was a great way for Wapshott to present their growing relationship through the years.

Recommended if you enjoy history and politics.

[Craig Beam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is well known that Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher were close allies and kindred political spirits. During their eight overlapping years in office, the U.S. president and the U.K. Prime minister worked together to promote lower taxes, deregulation, free trade, and an aggressive stance against the Soviet Union. But according to Nicholas Wapshott, the Reagan/Thatcher relationship was much deeper than the alliance of mutual interests. Drawing on interviews with those closest to them, as well as hundreds of recently declassified private letters and telephone calls, Wapshott depicts a more complex, personal, and sometimes argumentative relationship than has been previously been revealed. On the surface they had little in common, in either background or personality. Reagan, the son of the town drunk, used his genial charm to win over his enemies and always focused on the big picture rather than details. Thatcher, the daughter of a strict, middle-class shopkeeper, was a hard worker and master of details who would rather be respected than liked. Yet from their first meeting in 1975, they recognized each other as political soulmates, commuted not just to conservative principles but to getting things done. Over the years, they discussed and debated strategies, took strength from each other, celebrated each other’s triumphs, and commiserated with each other’s failures. Wapshott shines new light on this unique friendship and how it changed the world.

[Richard Bracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a nostalgia purchase for me. As a kid growing up in the 80’s, where we heard so much about Soviet nukes, nothing made me feel more safe and secure than seeing the affable Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher together handling things. Maybe it was my youth, combined with a stable home, but those two together made me feel that everything was under control.

Indeed they did have a special working relationship, and it was sad when they weren’t on the world stage together anymore. When Reagan died in 2004, Margaret Thatcher not only attended his funeral, but left a eulogy.

”we have lost a great President, a great American, and a great man. And I have lost a dear friend. … the President resisted Soviet expansion and pressed down on Soviet weakness at every point until the day came when Communism began to collapse… And when a man of good will did emerge from the ruins, President Reagan stepped forward to shake his hand and offer sincere cooperation. Nothing was more typical of Ronald Reagan than that large hearted magnanimity, and nothing was more American”.

[Carla McKelvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up liking this book much more than I thought. I enjoyed the joint storytelling of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. I felt that initially the author was forcing comparisons in their early lives but once they both were in their political careers the comparison and contrast was very interesting. Having lived through the 80s it was interesting to hear the back stories from their perspective. In particular the end of the Soviet Union was quite fascinating. To be honest when it was all over I wanted to hear more about Ronald Reagan and less about Margaret Thatcher. To be polite she was a very demanding, opinionated woman which I am sure she had to be as a trailblazer. President Reagan was very patient with her; George HW Bush not so much.

I would highly recommend this book.

[Wayne K. Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book! I was a young adult newly in the workforce during the Reagan presidency and Thatcher premiership so I remember a great many of the major events discussed in the book. I greatly appreciated learning some of the behind the scenes details that were brought out about those events. These two incredible leaders guided not just their countries but the rest of the world during some difficult and world shaping times. In many ways, we owe them a great debt of gratitude. The world should be so fortunate as to have future leaders who are cut out of the same cloth.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I like the coverage of a rather unexplored topic in Reagan historiography, but truthfully the author falls short at times.

First, he repeats himself a lot. Second, he definitely writes more on Reagan and Thatcher, which makes the book feel more like a biography rather than an examination of the "political marriage". Thirdly, I didn't care anything about the Bush stuff in the final chapters so I began skimming after that.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good joint biography of Reagan and Thatcher, focusing especially on the closeness of their relationship. The metaphor of a political marriage felt strained at time, but Wapshott does make a convincing case that the personal friendship and intellectual/convictional alignment between these two key leaders was a major part of both's success.

[Danny Theurer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wapshott ties together two world leaders and takes an entire book to examine their relationship and effect on one another. It's a solid world and I'm certain that the degree of difficulty was quite high.

[Crystal Lawrence Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read about two individuals who were determined to revive their countries and leave the world a better place by influencing the spread of democracy over communism throughout the Soviet Union.

[Seth Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book highlights the relationship between two conservative icons. I felt it did a good job of providing an overview of their connection, but I also felt that it read more into the relationship than the evidence they provided demonstrated.

Was Reagan merely relational and Thatcher merely an ideologue? That’s the vibe of this book. I’m not sure if made me more interested in either.

[Colin Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get the impression the author adores both of these figures and what they stood for. He paints them in the most flattering style. It felt like a fluff piece but it covered the highlights of their time in office and gave a basic outline of their personalities which was a nice introduction for me.

[Avi Aharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory book for anyone who had never read about Reagan, or Thatcher.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opened a window into the intimate lives and relationship between Reagan and Thatcher. It’s essence was pure, and kept me completely engaged in their journey as world leaders.

[David Carraturo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very insightful but a bit frustrating. I enjoyed the underlying story of the friendship of the two leaders, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. I also found the details behind the many geopolitical and economic policy decisions made to be quite interesting. A few things did bother me though I would still recommend this to any political wonk. First, it was very dry at times. The beginning chapters about the respective leaders rise to political fame was engrossing, but once the meat of the story came around my intensity and excitement to read was dialed down. There was (and still is in politics) a great deal of babysitting and this book detailed how frustrating it can be to be a politician and/or world leader. They have to watch what they say & how they say it, as other world leaders are like children and take the slightest offense to even the most minor comment or action. While that point was made clearly throughout the book, while I was reading it I became very frustrated. Another area I found difficult to read was simply not having the general understanding and knowledge of how the U.K. political system works (and U.K. readers could say the same with the U.S.) so I was lost at times to understand the various parties and their political philosophies, country history to put it in perspective and the names of their past leaders. Again, the last two issues I had with the book had nothing to do with the writing quality (and thus my 4 star rating). So in conclusion, while a bit dry, this story tells an incredibly detailed and insightful account of the very special Reagan/Thatcher years. If you have a basic understanding of both US and UK government and history you will enjoy this. If you are coming in cold as a political novice, this book is not for you.

[Doug]

A good book about two great leaders, which almost reads like a novel. The book explores the relationship between Regan and Thatcher, there beliefs, their agreements, and their differences, but in they end always presenting an united from to the world.

The stories about the Falklands, Grenada, the relations with the various Russian leaders and Gorbachev, their confrontations with unions and the attempts on their lives demonstrates their leadership styles and their approach to the various problems that they faced.

I enjoyed the stories that demonstrate how leaders of countries communicate and what they discuss in personal meetings, especially the conversations and relationships between Russian leaders and Regan and Thatcher.

I have always admired these two individuals but now have a better understanding on how they worked and achieved their goals.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

family most important, how to pray and trust in God’s will, opposition party by splinter interest group, obey rules or get out of college, if not concerned with credit accomplish lot, line item veto, politization of judicial fixed in CA, small # of activists, fdr identified the narcotic of welfare, fraud widespread in welfare, lured by independents, others underestimated, 2am courage, UK big govt and pensions after ww2, Carter too eager to please foreign leaders, rule of law and dignity with freedom, world without nuclear weapons, ussr stop sdi at any cost, Reagan commited to not compromise as Yalta disaster, know that man is good and will triumph, Blair as Thatcher, escort end of cold war peacefully.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about two large personalities who shared many common ideals, but at the end of the day, were two very different people. The style of the book is clever, going through the stages of their political careers as though going through the stages of courtship onto widowhood. Nicholas Wapshott also told a very balanced story. It was no Reagan/Thatcher love fest (sadly, because I could have really gone for one of those) but approached the topic with the facts. I appreciated this unbiased look at an important part of history.

For a more detailed review visit http://ireadalotofbooks.com/ronand-re...

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most interesting bio. I have read in a long time. The connection between Thatcher and Reagan was one of the most important in modern history. They accomplished so much together.
The parallels between their lives was part of what drew them together as well as political agreement. This book also details some of the character traits that brought them to the point they were in.
The only thing that is a real pity is that Margaret Thatcher is not treated with the respect due to an amazing woman.

[Simcha Levental · Rating 4 out of 5]

The day Thatcher died and the media did not stop talking about her in so many conflicting ways I noticed I do not know enough about this duo. This book seamed well suited to answer many of my questions. The beginning and the end of the book are less interesting and maybe even less relevant to the days they governed but the focus on the personalities and their upbringing does shed a light on their decision making.

[Michael Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another friends of HHI library find. I have read a number of books about and by both Reagan and Thatcher but found this walk through their common years as Heads of their Countries fascinating. They were ideologically in sync and together, through an unusual personal and professional collaboration contributed to an era of peace, prosperity and financial strengthening of their countries.