By SIMON JENKINS Thatcher and Sons: A Revolution in Three Acts [Hardcover]

by Simon Jenkins

The history of Britain in the last thirty years, under both Conservative and Labour governments, has been dominated by one figure – Margaret Thatcher. Her election marked a decisive break with the past and her premiership transformed not just her country, but the nature of democratic leadership. Simon Jenkins analyses this revolution from its beginnings in the turmoil of the 1970s through the social and economic changes of the 1980s. Was Thatcherism a mere medicine for an ailing economy or a complete political philosophy? And did it eventually fall victim to the dogmatism and control which made it possible? This is the story of the events, personalities, defeats and victories which will be familiar to all those who lived through them, but seen through a new lens. It is also an argument about how Thatcher’s legacy has continued down to the present. Not just John Major, but Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are her heirs and acolytes. And as the Conservative party reinvents itself as a viable political force once again, is the age of Thatcher finally over?

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Sir Simon David Jenkins, FSA, FRSL is the author of the international bestsellers England’s Thousand Best Churches and England’s Thousand Best Houses, the former editor of The Times and Evening Standard and a columnist for the Guardian. He is chairman of the National Trust.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an absolute slog. I just wanted to read about the recent political history of Britain, and couldn't find anything on Thatcher that wasn't overly long or biased. The biographical parts of this book were sometimes interesting, but it went on for too long about minute policy details that just meant nothing to me. The idea of the two-part political revolution carried through from Thatcher to Brown also wasn't very clearly explained in my view, perhaps because you 'had to be there' to understand the events and references. First revolution: privisatisation; second revolution: increased centralisation and regulation...? The main idea is that Thatcher's policies are seen as extreme but actually they were continued to a more vigorous degree by her successors, even in the Labour party.

[David Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book expresses the underlying views held by many people regarding the damage cased by Thatcherism to the fabric of British society. The lurch to the right facilitate by Thatcher's rise and the continuation of her policies by Blair and Brown served to confirm the end of 'principled politics' in the U.K. The aim of a politician now is to retain power, not to embrace or enact political philosophies, views, or ideals. Such is modern political practice and reality. The author captures the sequence of events from Thatcher's ascendancy by default, to the unreal dinner meeting shared by Blair and Brown striking a deal on the leadership of the Labour Party. The events between these two points are extremely well articulated, described, and analysed in retrospect. From this vantage point in time, it seems almost unbelievable that many of us bought into the lies and deception presented by Thatcher's government over the Falklands War, the miners strike, etc, and similarly by the declarations by Blair about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. This book puts the right-wing media onslaught on the truth to shame. A great read from an excellent author.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, important book. It takes a serious and careful look at the effect of the policies of Thatcher and her successors, looks behind the rhetoric and assesses the results. It is not a polemic, but almost forensic in its analysis. Important ideas to understand and debate, even more so than when it was written.

[drdrwhite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely cutting analysis of thirty years of dire leadership of the U.K. Probably a little too negative and condemning, but a worthwhile read with many astute observations.

The most salient point this book makes is the need for decentralisation of democracy in the U.K.; I’ve come across this argument many times before, but this book does offer more on how such local devolution might work.

[David Highton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 2007 this is an excellent analysis of the previous three decades in UK politics. It is also interesting to see some of the key themes being enacted by the current government

[Richard Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book - detailing how the hype from the politicians often translates to the exact opposite in practice.

Thatcher's key philosophy was the rolling back of the state - carving up the perceived lumbering edifice of the welfare state to the more efficient principles of the free market; yet in effect, responsibility was privatised but control was ever more centralised.

Without doubt, in comparison to the state-run economy of 1970's Britain, where almost every facet of heavy industry was in Government hands Thatcher did free up large sectors of the economy leading to economic recovery and getting away from the tyranny of over-powerful unions.

However, the market was not truly freed - in place of civil service or local government oversight, came a series of regulatory bodies and quangos, often without definition or teeth but still putting an increased burden on business.

Where Jenkins really hits his stride, is in Thatcher's aftermath - showing how her successors (Major and even more so, Blair) tore into sectors that even she considered untouchable.

The zeal she employed in her reformations were carried even further but with less direction or meaning - change for the sake of change was the clarion call.

Jenkins provides a great commentary on the times, but also proposes how to resolve the problems - how to get the efficiencies of the free market without excessive control - a chapter that the modern left, who seem to just want to return to 1970's state control, would do well to read.

[Gareth Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating exploration of recent history considering the two Thatcher revolutions: privatisation and less state ownership and the greatly increased centralisation of government. Thatcher comes out of this rather better than Blair; possibly because she faced issues that could be solved and had the better things to privatise. Blair comes across as a vapid opportunist interested only in power. Major is portrayed reasonably sympathetically but, of course, castigated for the botched rail privatisation. Brown's role in the hegemony of the treasury is well described. It's strong stuff, worrying and fascinating and makes public finances and local government interesting. Four stars rather than five because of the closing of the book which proposes a third revolution, that of localism. It's certainly not out of place in the book and fully justified by what went before, but its tone and worthiness mean the book ends a little tamely. Highly recommended.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book by my favourite columnist, past editor of The Times, which documents the two revolutions begun by Margaret Thatcher deploring the route being taken by the second, centralism, which Simon Jenkins wants replaced by localism. The detailed analysis of the premiersips of Thatcher, Major, Blair and now Brown is a revelation.

[Christian Caryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong, critical look at recent British history in the shadow of Thatcher. Refreshing not least for its efforts to measure Thatcher's achievements against her own professed goals. Jenkins notes, for example, that the British state was actually bigger by the time Thatcher left office. A useful antidote to much of the hagiography.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I loved this book, otherwise why would I have read it four times? oh wait, it's my job? oh right. I'm probably not a reliable witness.

[Khairul Hezry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to read this again. The first time I read it, I felt that it started good but became boring somewhere in the middle and never recovered.

[Julia Bindman]

Just started this yesterday after recommendation by friend. So far, so interesting.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read; especially for those interested in politics, history, and current events.

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK but a bit of a stretch.