The Collected Speeches of Margaret Thatcher

By Margaret Thatcher and Margaret; Edited By Harris Robin Thatcher

By the time she stepped down in 1990, Margaret Thatcher had become one of her generation's outstanding political leaders, and perhaps the most powerful woman in the world. Possessing an iron will, she matched words with action in confronting the crises of the day in economic affairs, in the Falklands War, in Northern Ireland, in the great twilight struggle of the Cold War and finally in Europe. Under her leadership, Britain broke out of its decline and self-doubt to emerge once more as a major player on the international stage. Margaret Thatcher put intense effort into her major speeches. As a result, they are uniquely revealing of how she developed that clear vision which would transform Britain and help shape international politics in the late 20th century. They begin with the speeches she made as part of her campaign to mold the ideas of the Conservative Party in Opposition. They continue with the famous addresses in which she expressed her convictions as prime minister and include recent lectures in which she gives her current, and controversial, thoughts about the world today. This book of speeches is an essential companion volume to the two books of Margaret Thatcher's memoirs, as well as a masterly study of one of the great political figures of our time.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060187344
• ISBN13: 9780060187347
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 688 Pages
• Weight: 2.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.6" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

beyond admirable and impressive; often BREATHTAKINGLY MOVING

.First published in 1997, and after the tremendous success of her memoirs "The Downing Street Years" and "The Path to Power", gathers fifty-nine of the Iron Lady's speeches, from her years as leader of the opposition, to her years as prime minister, to the time she stepped down in 1990, and through 1996.Edited by Robin Harris, her trusted aide and adviser, a member of the prime minister's Policy Unit, director of the the Conservative Research Department, and a regular contributor to British, European and American publications. Neither the brief introductions to each speech nor the footnotes are ever verbose--providing backgrounds which only help in setting out its context.Divided into The Opposition Years, The First Parliament, The Second Parliament, The Third Parliament, and After Downing Street, it is a most impressive selection from among Lady Thatcher's vast collection of speeches hitherto--the ones marking the most dramatic events of her time (the party conferences in opposition, the brief statement as she entered 10 Downing Street, after the IRA bombing in Brighton, amid the Falklands crisis, the Libya debate, the Gulf Crisis, and the speeches to The European Union and The House of Lords)--intensely revealing her character and unshakeable beliefs.The impression one gets is of one who is not merely stubborn--she passionately stands on her principles, unwavering in the face of even the most vehement opposition, and never shy to explain WHY. One who, whether in opposition, in power or after, did not merely go where the wind was already blowing--she moulded the Conservative Party to her convictions, inspired even the initially-oblivious, convinced the sceptical, led the opposed, woke Britain from its self-doubt and decline, leading it to a renewed role in international affairs that lives to this day. And while she is said to have put intense effort into the drafting and polishing of each of her speeches, it is the genuine belief she had in, and her thorough mastery of every subject she spoke of or against (whether it was the Conservative Party, or Britain, or European affairs, or the partnership with America) that renders each speech most effective, if not at times breathtakingly moving.Whether in admiration of Margaret Thatcher, or from a desire to study The Tories, or Britain, or great speeches, this is one book deserving of a place in one's study..

The Collected Speeches of Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher dominated her party at a time when her party dominated British politics. This book is a valuable record of her formal speeches and the key parlamentary debates in which she took part. Robin Harris' editng makes the book easy to read and the policical philosophy of Margaret Thatcher comes through clearly from almost every page. In spite of the fact that he is obviously a commited supporter his notes and critiques of the individual speeches are relitivly disinterested and help to put them into context. Most interesting to me are the speeches made in the lengthy period during the mid 1980's when Margaret Thatcher gave few interviews; these formal speeches and her apparances in the House of Commons were the only means that the British electorate had of understanding overall government policy during that time. I was never a Thatcher supporter and believe she was ultimatly a extremely distructive politician who did infanatly more harm than good. This book, however, gives an excellent insight into the political philosophy behind the Thatcher phonominon and also gives clear clues as to why she was brought down so dramatically. A must for anyone who has any interest in post war British politics.

Margaret Thatcher's greatest speeches

This book is a collection of Margaret Thatcher's greatest speeches during her political career. They reveal Margaret Thatcher's true convictions over and over again--belief in free enterprise, capitalism, lower taxes, less government, a strong defense and fiercely fight the Cold War against the Soviet Union. Margaret Thatcher's speeches are always full of wisdom on whatever the subject is. She brings a powerful grasp of knowledge and understanding of any and all topics. Readers will find her speeches educational and exciting to read. Margaret Thatcher is a gifted debater. She brings a unique viewpoint to many debates that are a dynamic and refreshing alternative to the rusty old arguments pro and con. In addition, Margaret Thatcher always makes very clear what her stands are on issues. The reader will be left in no doubt what her position is on a subject. This book deserves a five-star rating because it is a compilation of great speeches from the greatest political figure of the Twentieth Century. Readers will find Margaret Thatcher's speeches exciting to read, uplifting and enlightening.

Words and Ideas Do Matter

It's simple: Maggie and Ronnie vanquished communism and saved the world. What's more, they managed to do it chiefly with words and ideas. This collection of Mrs. Thatcher's eloquence shows us the simple yet invincible power of the truths she and her American partner carried through to victory. May she live forever.

An incredible read of the greatest Prime Minister ever!

This book shows off the complete genius of Margaret Thatcher (Supreme Goddess and head of the Thatcherite faith) at her best! An Outstanding read that could win over even the most skeptical of her critics to her creed. One has to bend to her will as they read, and are captured by her awe-inspiring collection of brilliance. One of the best book ever is shown here, it even comes close to her two thrilling memoirs. It is easy to tell that these speeches were concocted by the most intelligent, remarkable and gifted women on this earth. Absolutely incredible to read! A really excellent piece of work!