Wilson: The authorised life of Lord Wilson of Rievaulx

by Philip Ziegler

Harold Wilson was Prime Minister for almost eight years - the longest period spent in office this century until Mrs Thatcher. He fought five general elections and won four. While he was at Number Ten, Wilson held together the unruly elements of Left and Right in a Parliamentary party often at odds with itself, challenged the power of the trade unions, faced repeated economic crises and a devaluation, was abandoned by his own Cabinet and had to concede defeat. His period in office was one of the most momentous and controversial of the country's post-war history. His resignation took almost everyone by surprise and rumours still circulate about its cause. Philip Ziegler is the first historian to have access to Harold Wilson's personal archive, including much official documentation that will not become available for a decade or more. Although he has the blessing of his subject, Ziegler has remained totally independent. Philip Ziegler has written biographies qf Mountbatten, Edward VIII and Diana Cooper.

Genres: Biography, History, Politics

593 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 1993

About the author

Philip Ziegler was a British biographer and historian known for his meticulously researched works on historical figures and events. After studying at Eton and New College, Oxford, he served in the British Foreign Service, with postings in Laos, South Africa, Colombia, and NATO. He later transitioned into publishing and writing, eventually becoming a distinguished biographer.
His notable works include Mountbatten: The Official Biography, Edward VIII: The Official Biography, and The Black Death. He also wrote about figures such as Lord Melbourne, Harold Wilson, and George VI. Over the years, Ziegler contributed to major publications like The Spectator, The Times, and History Today.
His personal life was marked by tragedy when his first wife was killed during a home invasion in Bogotá in 1967. He later remarried and continued his literary career until his passing in 2023 at the age of 93.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, I was surprised by how many current topics were also important in the 60s and 70s - Europe, Top People's salaries, both wings of the labour party at loggerheads, conditions of employment for workers, housing. Another of my pop sugar list ticked off! And an insight into politics.

[Trevor Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to be enthusiastic about this biography of Harold Wilson.

Workmanlike, thorough, yes, but there are no startling insights or revelations, possibly because it's an authorised biography.

Ziegler works his way chronologically through Wilson's career but after 500 pages he provides only the briefest of analyses and summing up. I think he could have provided more of his own opinions.

What does emerge is Wilson's moderation and his emphasis on the middle way politically which he saw as the key to Labour being able to form a government. A lesson that Blair had learned when he became Prime Minister.

[Trevor Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed, if somewhat, dry biography. Plenty of detail about his political career, but very little about the man himself. Wilson comes across as a very driven, but unremarkable PM who’s greatest achievement was keeping the different strands of the Labour Party together, long enough to be in power. The book is very honest about Wilson’s shortcomings but it’s not a hatchet job, fat from it.

[Stephen Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written insight in to Harold Wilson.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly informative, readable and enjoyable biography. Recommended for all students of Wilsonesque tactics.