Rejoice! Rejoice!: Britain in the 1980s

by Alwyn Turner

The Eighties may seem to many of us like yesterday, but they are already two decades ago. Not only have we already become nostalgic for them (witness the recent reunions of eighties bands from Spandau Ballet to Ultravox), but in many ways the decade does seem like a thoroughly foreign country. A naval Task Force sailing to re-take an insular outpost in the South Atlantic (with the QE2 converted to a troopship!)... Almost a quarter of Britain's heavy industry wiped out by savagely monetarist policies, laying waste to whole heavy industries like coal mining and shipbuilding. Boy George sweetly crooning "Karma Chameleon." The extraordinary pitched battles of the miners' strike. The panic of the early stages of AIDS. Now, Alwyn Turner has written the first ful-length, in-depth history of this most fascinating of decades. If the Seventies, the subject of his previous book, were the last gasp of the old Britain, the Eighties were a truly transitional, politically revolutionary decade, when Thatcherism remade Britain's economy and its society, but when Britain's social fabric also changed in many infinitely more encouraging ways: the response to famine in Ethiopia with the global Live Aid concert; gay rights. Witty, formidably well-informed, on political intrigue as well as every last soap opera and rock album, this is a piece of genuinely new history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, British Literature

579 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of the 1980s, I was poor and footloose, living from one short-term contract to another. At the end, I was well-off: married, a mortgage, a nice house in a good area, a well-paid job. I was in the part of the population Thatcherism was designed to help.That doesn't stop it being my least favourite decade. The events that mark it for me are the Falklands War, the miners' strike, the dispute at Wapping, Greenham Common.

When Mrs Thatcher entered Downing Street for the first time, she said "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony." I didn't believe it at the time, and I was quickly proved right. By the end of the decade Britain was two different nations, broadly divided between north and south. In the south, where we lived, many comfortably off people neither knew nor cared what happened to the people in the north who formerly mined coal, bashed metal, built cars and the like, but now sat idle. The only time they saw them was on the TV, in pitched battles with the police, hence clearly in the wrong. Soon the two countries had almost nothing in common. Looking after number one was elevated to a national religion; those who failed only had themselves to blame.

In this book, Alwyn Turner wears his heart even more clearly on his sleeve than in Crisis? What Crisis?. Few people were indifferent to Mrs Thatcher, and he was one of the haters. It doesn't stop him providing a rounded view of the decade though, and just as in the previous volume he reminded me of things I had forgotten. Interesting little snippets: the British Medical Journal reported that the suicide rate doubled in the month that followed each of Thatcher's election victories (I vividly remember the despair of the third -- it seemed as if she was never going to go).

And despite the claims of economic competence, and necessary reform: "'At the beginning of the war,' wrote Ian Gilmour, 'beggars vanished and were not seen for forty years. Then in the 1980s they reappeared on the streets of London' [...] When Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited London in 1988 and toured the sites [where homeless people slept], she was horrified at what she saw: 'I didn't know what to say. There were tears in my eyes.'" And finally, "Unemployment was much higher when she left than when she arrived, inflation never stabilised and was now increasing, and GDP had grown by an average of just 1.8 per cent per annum, little of that in the area of manufacturing (in the dark days of the 1970s, the average rise had been 2.4 per cent). Wealth inequality had increased substantially, with a fall in the income of the poorest 10 per cent of society, and there were 60 per cent more people dependent on the state for their income than in 1979. Even taxation, as a share of GDP, had increased."

So in macroeconomic terms, Thatcherism didn't work, its monetarist claims completely unfounded. But still, "Economics are the method," she insisted. "The object is to change the soul." In that, unfortunately, she appears to have been successful -- Britain felt like a meaner, shallower place at the end of her tenure.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can tell you're getting old when you start reading histories of times that you lived through !
Found this a really interesting experience though as it offered a different perspective as at the time, it seemed that there was no alternative to Mrs Thatcher but here it is crystal clear how awful she was.
Fascinating to see how different things were then compared to now as well - these were my formative years from starting secondary school to finishing university and starting work so I can excuse myself from being a bit old fashioned and out of touch these days, I think.
There are more of these by the same author which I will definitely read but can't decide whether to try the 1970's or the 1990's next.

[Rob Adey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must have watched the news (and indeed Newsround) almost every day of the 80s, but with basically zero - and only very slightly increasing over time - comprehension. So this was quite a cosy read of a history book for me - I felt like I was cheating by having spent ten years 'revising' the names of everyone and basic events. Rejoice! Rejoice! filled in the details in an agreeably breezy fashion, albeit with a weird amount of quotes from the novels of Mark Lawson.

[Gavin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and engaging summary of events political and cultural in Britain during the 1980s. Turner covers both high and low culture but always manages to pull everything together into a central thesis. Nothing feels extraneous. He draws from a variety of different sources, including politicians, musicians, comedians and literary extracts, for quotations and viewpoints of the decade. I see in some other reviews that this book is seen as overly critical of the Thatcher government(s). I can't agree with that. In fact, Turner does a great a job of showing why her supporters loved her while her detractors thought her the devil incarnate. The truth about Thatcher is pretty plain to see when looking at economic measurements for either side of the eighties. She may have changed the economy in many ways, but she hadn't reduced inflation and unemployment had increased overall. In the end, her own hubris caused her supporters to collapse out from under her. This book simply bears out those facts. I would have liked to have seen something about North Sea oil and the contribution it made to the economy as a whole new industry grew and established itself. Blame that on the bad habit of British writers to have steadily worse memories the further north they travel.

[Dave High · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just needed to remind myself exactly why everyone should hate Thatcher. Job done.

[Jon Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Turner, a continuation from his 'Crisis? What Crisis?' book on UK in the 70s. Turner is fast becoming one of my favorite historians to read.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is most striking when reading Rejoice, Rejoice, Alwyn Turner’s book on 1980s Britain, is how in actuality despite the political hegemony Thatcherism gained in Whitehall, there was no one answer to the questions posed by the 1970s. As Turner posits, “if the 1970s had asked social questions about the nature of Britain, then the 1980s sought to provide political answers”; yet the world did not turn out exactly as she would have wanted. Through a happy marriage of culture, literature, and politics, Turner explains why the consensus that emerged was often “in defiance rather than in support of her beliefs”. Like a Pandora’s box, Thatcherism spawned elements which were supposedly at odds with its mission statement. Take Channel 4, the ‘free market’ newcomer to the broadcasting block, which became in practice more liberal and diverse than intended (one of the weirdest anecdotes comes from Norman Tebbit, who said of the fledgling channel that “all those programmes for homosexuals and such. Parliament never meant that sort of thing” but actually meant “golf and sailing and fishes. Hobbies”, or different interests). This was a ‘big’ decade and so what we get are ‘big’, almost macro moments with little bits of culture sprinkled in. At times you might find yourself wanting a little more clarity on the political day-to-day, but for that I’d read a different book. This is as good an overview as you’d want. It suggests that, ultimately, there “was no unifying thread that brought the nation together, no single narrative that could be shared by a clear majority”; rather, there were lots of counter-narratives, perhaps a reflection of how Thatcher “ did more to destroy existing social structures than perhaps any other prime minister in British history”. The result? A “characteristically British muddle, in which many could point to successes, but none could claim outright victory”. It meant ‘two nations’, not one. It ended with evidence that her professed aims - the supposed vanquishing of the economic ills of the 1970s - were not actually met, given that growth was just an average of 1.8%, unemployment was much higher, and inflation was on the up. Yet Turner also argues her destruction of old social structures could produce some interesting side-effects, producing an extent of social mobility in the professions, fulfilling ‘60s idealism in a conservative, meritocratic way, while also, in her government’s funding structures like the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, creating schemes that led to the birth of such institutions as Factory Records. It’s a curious point but one that forms part of the book’s larger project of presenting why ‘Maggie’ was so loved…and feared and hated, too. There’s something for everyone, even fans of Taggart (though I must say the endnotes system did get on my wick a bit!).

[Stephen Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alwyn Turner's 'Rejoice! Rejoice! Britain in the 1980s' does pretty much what it says on the tin (to borrow a phrase from the 1990s). It's a very comprehensive analysis of what life was like for us Brits during the 80s, using near 600 pages to cover aspects like politics, industry, comedy, economics, sport, music and television. I was born in 1971 so my memories of that decade are of turbulence and division, living in a coalmining town and yet sheltered from the wider happenings of the country.

It's impossible to talk about the 1980s without specifically mentioning the impact of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the legacy of her tenure, which is arguably still felt today. She came into power in 1979 and was ousted by her own party in 1990, so her reign almost defines the decade, in particular her pledge to take on the trades unions, her jingoistic willingness to go to war against Argentina over the Falkland Islands, and her political squabbles within the Conservative Party itself. Labour, too, were going through turmoil, with a division between the left of the party and the more central components who broke away and formed (eventually) the SDP.

I had a great time reading this book. It's detailed and yet not dry or stuffy, focusing so much as it does on the political climate. Turner has also written similar books covering the 1970s and the 1990s and I will definitely be seeking out these, so impressed was I with the 1990s version. Highly recommended.

[James Tidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to his book on the 70s, entitled Crisis, What Crisis. This offers a look at a decade that was essentially dominated by one person, Margaret Thatcher. When she became PM in 1979, she promised to bring harmony into a country that was full of discord. From the miners strike, the Falklands, the spectre of Aids to Yes Minister, snooker and Culture Club leader, Boy George. Rejoice, rejoice steps back to the 80s to relive the decade when the Iron Lady sought to remake Britain. It is divided into three parts, 1979-83, 83-87 and 87-90, basically the years of Thatcher's three terms as PM. Each chapter borrows lines from songs from the decade including Just like starting over, Edge of heaven, Sisters are doing it for themselves, Two Tribes, The only way is up and When will I be famous alongside others.

It took me around 6 weeks to read, although had it been not December I probably would have read it in around a fortnight. I did enjoy reading it and I will read his prequel and sequel to this book.

[David Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alwyn Turner proves once again that he is the best social historian for the last few decades with an insightful, funny and well argued book that asks those of us who lived through the decade to view it through fresh eyes. His sheer range of materials, especially in terms of TV and music and the often surprising conclusions he draws make every page an education and a delight. Even if you don't always agree with him you will enjoy this book immensely if you have any interest at all in recent history.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a balanced overview of the 80s, this isn’t really it. It focuses to a large extent on politics, and specifically on where the author believes Mrs Thatcher went wrong (which in his opinion was mostly in every possible way). I would have preferred a more objective approach, such as can be found in Dominic Sandbrook’s volumes, but the attention to detail is impressive. One small point; the chapters are long and don’t have any breaks, which can make the book difficult to put down and pick up.

[David Robert Bloomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I personally like Margaret Thatcher. I've read 2 parts of Charles Moore's biography of her and so was definitely coming from a different angle. It's an easy read and doesn't get bogged down too much. Sometimes though you feel it could have done with more information. Such as the Brighton bomb and the Reagan relationship.
People with a dislike of Margaret Thatcher will probably really love.it. I found it ok. I enjoyed growing up in the 80's, if I never knew it was this bad; probably because it wasn't.

[Alejandro Shirvani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some fine memories here of the politics and social culture of the 1980s. I was mainly here for the politics, so I found some of the cultural discussions dragged a little but they are important to immerse yourself in the feeling of the 1980s. With culture wars, Conservative hegemony and a weakened Labour party it has more than a sense of the modern day!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

I was 8 in 1980 so this has really helped me see the decades through more mature and educated eyes rather than believing it was all Star wars, comics, playing out and carefree living.

Alwyn's books are like having a grandad available to tell you about the good and the bad of the decades.

[Clive Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content and chronology good, yet the style of delivering it made for hard work at times. P
A welcome visit to a decade I was too young to understand at the time. Yet this provides insight into the culture and my environment during that time.

[Nick Harriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed “Crisis, what crisis”, the author’s history of the 1970s, I similarly enjoyed this book on the next decade. An excellent modern history, especially around the political scene of the time.

[Matthew Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book and personally I feel a fair reflection of the decade.

[Mick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those that fail to learn from history etc etc. I’m struck by whole the patters of decline and politics is being repeated now.

Funny old world.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good 4 star book, 4 1/2 at least

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of Turner's three-part social and policial history of modern Britain finds us in the 1980s, and so on to Thatcher.

There's some things in here I remember (I was born in the mid-1970s), but plenty that was new to me (the schism in the Labour Party in the early part of the decade, the initial early success and then fizzling out of the SDP and quite how precarious Thatcher's position was prior to the Falklands War.

Like its predecessor this is a little bit of a whistle-stop tour, but it's a great overview and primer.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eighties. What do you remember? It’s a fair bet that what will spring to mind are things that will be covered in this entertaining history and overview of the decade as it jumps from the inevitable focus on politics to the more ephemeral flotsam and jetsam of contemporary culture. Pop music, television, art and literature are given as much space, almost, as Thatcherism. It’s a very Britiish-centric account too, which is a good thing as it would be easy to place a big focus on Reagan or Gorbachov as the decade politically progressed. Obviously they get a mention or two, but always in the context of how their thoughts and deeds pertained to us in Little Britain.
The author has picked out the key events of the times, the Falklands, the Miners Strike, the rise of capitalism and the changes our society went through over the time. It’s a thoughtful and balanced review, never too poe-faced or intellectually driven.The rise of monetarism or the decline of trade unions, for example, are seen as no more important than the rise of the television game show or alternative comedy. Perhaps a bit more focus could have been put on the growth of technology – after all, these were the years that saw the birth of the mobile ‘phone and the advent of desktop computing, which would revolutionise the next decade – but maybe that will be covered in the Nineties edition, which I will definitely be reading!
The book rattles along, powered by some choice quotes (especially one from Ted Nugent about Lady Diana) that can make you laugh out loud, although I did think that there was a preponderance in using certain authors or commentators – Kenneth Williams and Mark Steel spring to mind – when their must have been a wealth of sources to choose from. Perhaps this was the problem. You just can’t read everything, can you, or not at any level of depth. These days anybody can Google quotes about anything, and it’s to this historian’s credit that this book never strikes you as a quick cut-and-paste job on any of the subjects he chooses to focus on.
All in all, this was a really entertaining, educational and thought (and memory) provoking read. It may not be for the political purists but there are so many dry books on Thatcher there was no need of another one. I think that if I ever want to relive some of my youth in my later days, then I’ll be reaching to take this book from the shelves once more. Excellent stuff.

[Jon Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Thatcher’s association with a decade of British politics remains a feat unique in modern times – no other politician had the longevity or personality to dominate a decade quite as she did. As such, though it’s structured to cover a single decade much as Turner’s other books are, it’s an admirably coherent account and an entertaining gallop through what remains a controversial decade.

Turner’s approach is similar to that of Dominic Sandbrook’s, though his use of longer timescales means he’s not quite as thorough. His political history is logically structured; one section for each of Thatcher’s three terms in office. The effect of the policies is reflected through both reportage and popular culture, often using the most incongruous of shows or books to illustrate his point. This use of pop culture gives Turner’s narrative colour and brings reactions to this most controversial of administrations to life. Given the left wing nature of many in the creative arts this means that the book won’t be to the taste of too many Thatcher supporters – Turner’s often highly critical of the government and its policies and creditably wary of the dangers of a government with effective carte blanche to ignore any opposition. The theoretical point of Parliamentary democracy is to provide checks and balances to ensure properly considered legislation; the regimes of both Thatcher and Blair illustrate the dangers of what happens when one side dominates so strongly. Mind you, the factionalised Labour party don’t come off much better; nor does the mildly tragic figure of David Owen. The question of what might have happened if the internal politics of the Labour party had been less vitriolic is raised but never quite states the logical conclusion that the Tory domination of the 80s was down to the SDP splitting the anti-Thatcher vote to no good effect, by their very existence ensuring the dominance of an ideology alien to them. So Thatcherism: Blame David Owen. At least we got some great music, literature and TV out of it.

[Cheryl Lomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was recommended to me by a work colleague as he'd really enjoyed it too.
It's basically a social history of the 1980's starting with Mrs Thatcher becoming Prime Minister and ending with her being ousted ! It covers all aspects of that period with sport, tv, politics, music and other themes and personalities that were important to that particular period of time.
It has been written in a totally unbiased way which was refreshing and I found the whole book a trip down memory lane as I was in my early 20's in the 80's and a lot of the book rang true for me.
I thoroughly recommend this book if you're interested in social history or just need a bit of nostalgia!

[Jeff Howells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, given the current state of British politics this is good reminder of how things were in the 80s. Turner is definitely the most entertaining of those batch of historians who are writing about British Post War history. He sets out his stall as covering High Politics & Low Culture and succeeds with a very dry wit...(how often can you say that about a history book?). I read his book on the 70s, and will definitely check out his book on the 90s. Turns out he's currently writing one about the 50s as well.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was aged 6-16 in the 80s, so have a fairly good recollection about events, but a lot of it is pretty vague, so this really filled in the gaps. It is a very interesting book and flows extremely well through the decade. There is a heavy focus on the politics of the time and especially Margaret Thatcher, but it also seamlessly weaves in cultural aspects ranging from the rise of alternative comedians to the top TV shows and music of the day. I am now reading the 90s version!

[Chris Steeden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a I do not like Thatcher book than an amusing romp through all things 80's.

Here is the summary:

Thatcher = Bad
Kinnock = Good
Billy Bragg = Good
Crass = Good

Apparently that's all you need to know.

The only reason I gave it a three instead of a two is that the book is written in an engaging way.

Oh and Napalm Death are from Ipswich are they?. Dear-oh-dear. Seems that Alwym does not know his 80's grindcore. Shame on him. :-)

[Ipswichblade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alwyn W Turner is a superb writer and this book on Britain in the 1980s is an excellent book. as well as the main events Turner concentrates on popular culture. A worthy follow up to his book on the seventies

[Gareth Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking mixture of high politics and low culture - or should it be the other way round? Excellent survey of the 1980s. Turner's ability to segue from subject to subject is only rivalled by Kynaston's.

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive reading about most aspects of life in Britain during Thatcher Era. Also featuring the Labour Party struggle to survive. The author's way of narration defeats its sheer number of pages, which means this book is an entertaining experience overall.

[Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well put together: the heavy, but admittedly interesting, political stuff is cut-up with more immediately accessible pop culture pieces.