Not for Turning: The Life of Margaret Thatcher

by Robin Harris

Margaret Thatcher is one of the most iconic politicians of the twentieth century. With the possible exception of Winston Churchill, no other Prime Minister has had such an impact on modern British history. Like it or not, her radical social and economic policies have made Britain the country it is today. Without Margaret Thatcher there could have been no New Labour, no Tony Blair and no David Cameron.Now Robin Harris, for many years Thatcher's speechwriter, trusted adviser and the draftsman of two volumes of her autobiography, has written the defining book about this indomitable woman. He tells her extraordinary life story, from humble beginnings above her father's grocer's shop in Grantham, her early days as one of the first women in Westminster who became known as 'Thatcher milk-snatcher' during her days in the Ministry for Education and then as Prime Minister. We follow her through the 'Winter of Discontent', the tribulations of the miners' strike and the Falklands War. And Harris writes a stunning account of her exit from power and tells of her life after number 10.

Genres: Biography, Politics, History, Nonfiction, European History

512 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Robin Harris studied at Oxford University, won the Gibbs Prize, and obtained a DPhil in modern history. In the 1980s he served in various political and governmental capacities, including as a member of Margaret Thatcher's Number Ten Policy Unit, and in later years turned to free-lance journalism and to writing works of history and biography.

Among his books are Valois Guyenne: A Study of Politics, Government and Society in Late Medieval France (1994), Dubrovnik – A History (2003), The Conservatives – A History (2011), Not for Turning – The Life of Margaret Thatcher (2013), Stepinac – His Life and Times (2016). He now lives in Zagreb and is currently writing a history of modern Croatia.

Reviews

[Stratos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Θαυμάσια βιογραφία γραμμένη από ένα συνεργάτη της πρωθυπουργού που άφησε τη δική της σφραγίδα στην Μ. Βρετανία. Στοιχεία και λεπτομέρειες για την άνοδο της στο κόμμα και στην συνέχεια της Πρωθυπουργίας. Η μόνο της εμπειρία ήταν ως Υπουργού Παιδείας και προερχόμενη από την επαρχία, με πατέρα παντοπώλη και μέσα σε ανδροκρατούμενο κόμμα, το ερώτημα είναι πως κατάφερε να φτάσει εκεί που έφτασε. Η απορία λύνεται από τον συγγραφέα του βιβλίου, ενός βιβλίου που διαβάζεται μόνο απ΄ όσους ασχολούνται ή ενδιαφέρονται για την πολιτική. Βέβαια τα εσωκομματικά του Συντηρητικού Κόμματος λίγο βαρετά για μας αλλά η γενικότερη εικόνα είναι προσβάσιμη στον κάθε αναγνώστη.
Απλώς επιβεβαιώνεται αυτό που λέγεται. Πως όταν ζεις δεν αντιλαμβάνεσαι την ιστορικότητα των στιγμών. Θα πρέπει να περάσουν δεκαετίες για να τις αφομοιώσεις και να τις αξιολογήσεις. Έζησα την εποχή Θάτσερ, απλώς τώρα εκπλήσσομαι για τις εποχές τότε!

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 1 out of 5]

בעקבות העונה הרביעית של "הכתר", סיקרן אותי מאוד לקרוא וללמוד עוד על מרגרט תאצ'ר. הספר הזה חדש יחסית (תורגם ב2020) ולכן לקחתי אותו מהספריה. הוא נכתב על ידי מי שהיה עוזר שלה ומעורב בפוליטיקה הבריטית בשנים שבהם כיהנה כראש ממשלה.
אכזבה גדולה. ספר משעמם נורא. מלא פרטי פרטים מיותרים על הדברים הכי פחות מעניינים והכי פחות חשובים. רציתי ללמוד על אופיה, על דמותה, על חוויותיה, על דרכה לשלטון, מעשיה בשלטון, ומדוע נאלצה לעזוב את השלטון. הספר כביכול נוגע בכל אלו, אבל לא באמת. זה כאילו שהוא מתאר המון דברים - אבל הכל ליד. הוא נכנס להמון פרטים כלכליים ופוליטיים של בריטניה, שאולי בריטים יבינו (וגם זה לא בטוח), אבל אני לא הבנתי בכלל. נשמע שהיא היתה אישה מדהימה, מאחרוני הנפילים, אבל הספר בקושי נוגע בזה. אין תיאור של יחסיה עם משפחתה (למרות שניתן להבין בין השורות שיש על מה לספר). הסופר ממעיט בתיאור הדברים החשובים והמעניינים ומרחיב בתיאור של מדיניות כלכלית משעממת.
בנוסף לכך, הרגיז אותי שפתח הדבר נכתב על ידי איילת שקד. מה הקשר בינה לבין תאצ'ר? איפה היא ואיפה תאצ'ר? בגלל ששתיהן נשים, לכאורה ימניות? היה ראוי בעיניי שאישיות יותר בכירה (אולי אפילו אחת שהכירה אותה) תכתוב את ההמלצה ופתח הדבר לספר.
בקיצור, זה היה בזבוז זמן ממש (מעל 500 עמודים!!) וחבל שלא נטשתי תוך כדי.

[Denise Morse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting and I learned a lot about a woman that I did not know too much about. I do not agree with her political views but that doesn't mean it was any less interesting. I wish that more time was spent on her early years. It seemed to really gloss over the beginning of her life and within a few pages she was already a prominent member of her party.

The relationships with other world leaders and powers was very compelling. I do plan on reading another biography of her that is more comprehensive. I am always interested in reading about powerful women.

[Alan Tomkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convincingly makes the case for regarding Margaret Thatcher as one of the most influential and transformative Prime Ministers in British history.

[Piet Hein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and quite detailed. Some parts rather more interesting than others. My main criticism of the book is that many parts are difficult to follow if one is not familiar with the broad cast of figures in English politics at the time. As a result, many parts in the book are not very accessible to the non British public and in a few years time probably neither to most younger Britt’s, who did not consciously lived through Thatcher’s years as prime minister. Nevertheless, still a very interesting and balanced biography by someone - i.e. Robin Harris - with a lot of inside knowledge who is honest about his role and political position. To me it seems that the book does justice to Mrs. Thatcher’s life and work.

[Gal · Rating 2 out of 5]

ספר שהולך ומדרדר
יש פרקים מצוינים אבל פרקי הבשר של הספר העוסקים בתקופת ראשותה כראש הממשלה הם נפל קשה בספר ומשעממים מאוד.
תרגום נוראי ואיום ברמה שהדבר מורגש והנסיונות החוזרים והנשנים לתקוף את השמאל מראים מדוע ספר זה נבחר על ידי ההוצאה ולא ביוגרפיות יותר איכותיות.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs Thatcher described her Cabinet as 'rock solid - afterwards' when the Falklands War was over. This book by her speechwriter and close adviser profiles her single-minded determination and her rise from a 'housewife/ accountant' to a world statesman. It is a detailed look at her rise to power and her controversial leadership.

Harris's accounts of the special relationship with America and the Prime Minister's relationship with European leaders are especially interesting. I also found the description of the Falklands War interesting - Thatcher dealt with this in a particularly authoritative manner, and she was widely praised at the time for restoring Britain's power and prestige by winning the war. Amazingly, she had to cope with it largely on her own, because most of her Cabinet were against her. Harris also provides lots of details about Mrs Thatcher's fight with the trade unions.

I was surprised that he hardly writes anything about Thatcher and Ireland. Also, the book got rather dry at the end, so I didn't finish it. It's best to read a little of it at a time.

[Rinstinkt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a conventional biography of Margaret Thatcher. The author is clearly in her camp. Having said that this is a great book. Some say this is the single best volume to read if you want to take a look into what the Iron Lady stood for.

[Ravi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside of 'The Downing Street Years', this is one of many books on the late, great Margaret Thatcher that I have read. It is the insight afforded in such biographies and accounts that have book-on-book affirmed to me MT was THE greatest PM of the twentieth century.

So much comes to light from accounts through Harris, and told so informatively. There are no long, rambling passages, only evidence and much I have read for the first time. The chapters of MT's downfall, the events leading up to it, the loyal friends and yet more treacherous or wholly incompetent cabinet members.

This great work shows why the most successful politician and political party leader, as well as the first woman leader, could ever be ousted from power, and not by the measly opposition, but her own party. Thank God for Brexit, she would say if she had lived long enough for that.

Those who have tried to besmirch her legacy, the left leaning media, liars in the miner's communities, socialist/new/champagne/Blairite/Brownite Labour, have all had to concede we live in a much better country because of MT and her policies, adopted in the main by Blair/Brown when they came to power. It is amazing how these detractors have worked so conceitedly to rewrite history

I am glad I was born in her time (the year she came to power) and still recall how fondly my parents, working class Indian immigrants we always in awe and supportive of her.

A great woman with a massive political and national as well as international legacy. God rest her soul.

[Towerwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written by a former political advisor of Margaret Thatcher, who also was involved in writing Thatcher's autobiography. The up side of this is that one learns details about Thatcher's life that would not be available to an academic historian. The down side is that this book is a highly biased view on the events; the author does not even attempt to be objective. Particularly disappointing is the tendency of the author to play the man instead of the ball, for example: "he was weak", "he was out of his depth", etc. The book is also not comprehensive, some aspects (like the IRA, or the relationship with the Queen) are hardly touched upon at all. The book is worth reading, but only as a companion to a more thorough biography.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Thatcher from beginning to end. Well, except for some big stuff - the book seems to switch from like, the early 80s and her triumphs to how it all ended. There's some big leaps in time. The other problem is that the book barely says anything negative about her policies, only explaining that the "left" didn't like her. Overall, it was helpful to understand the woman, but not a lot of substance on her policy work beyond some schemes regarding mortgage rates and poll taxes.

[Danae Bevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Thatcher: Steely, driven, complex — a woman who knew exactly what she stood for and refused to bend for anyone

Robin Harris: Loyal advisor and sharp political mind, but also a surprisingly tender biographer. You can feel the care in every chapter. He wasn’t just recounting facts; he was telling the story of someone he deeply respected.

Say what you want about Margaret Thatcher, but this book gives her depth, context, and humanity.

[Cheryl Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book satisfied a lot of my curiosities about MT. My appreciation of her has only grown,
of course being non-British made the cast of characters a bit hard to follow. The book is so well written. Harris has sharp character analysis's on everyone, and gives a fair take on MT.
Many of the passages are beautifully written with strong imagery. Highly recommend.

[Mr Henriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the beginning is quite boring, this book provides clear insights into the life, rise and downfall of Margaret Thatcher. It sheds light on where her ideas (and thus Thatcherism) came from and how it was implemented in her politics.

[Vaidyanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome !!!!!

[Stick Insect · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book i suppose, but there is a lot of info in it, which makes it very hard to read. A lot of dry facts. I didn't finish it completely, if i want to know something about her i will look it up.

[Yakimets Anatoliy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could not finish it. A very hard read. Though very well structured and to the point.

[George Ruddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written one volume account of the Thatcher Years by a Downing Street insider. Broadly sympathetic but not sycophantic. Hugely enjoyable.

[Royi · Rating 3 out of 5]

ארוך מדי
היה צריך לערוך, לחתוך ולהפוך למעניין יותר

[Peter Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful account of her life and career by one who worked for her and knew her well.He can be quite critical but seems to me to be fair.

[Patrick Groenewegen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broken my rule on rating books based on pure enjoyment of reading. Enjoyed this at least 4-4.5 because it was interesting and educative.

But Robin Harris just loves Thatcher a bit too much and goes into full on hagiography and apologism at times. Well written in terms of readibility but not in terms of critical evaluation

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Margaret Thatcher will find much to like with Not for Turning: The Life of Margaret Thatcher. Having Thatcher's entire life in one minimal sized volume will be a relief to anyone who wants the fundamentals but not the boring inconsequential unnecessary detail.



���Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.���

Harris received his doctorate in French history - his academic background leads to the facts appearing to have been thoroughly checked and rechecked. Harris focuses on Thatcher, and doesn't insert personal experiences with her thus taking away from the heart of the subject matter - Margaret Thatcher .

Harris has an elegant, enthralling style, lacking monotony this book captivates the reader from the start and continues to do so through every page and chapter.

Harris was Director of the Conservative Research Department before joining Mrs Thatcher's personal staff, writing speeches and advising on policy. After she left office he continued working for her, including drafting her extensive autobiography. Privy to the inside, Harris was very familiar with her life, her politics and her thoughts as well as any one else who was part of the inner circle.

Harris creates a wonderful read on Margaret Thatcher furthering knowledge and understanding of the longest-reigning prime minister of the democratic age. I highly recommend Not for Turning: The Life of Margaret Thatcher a well written account of a remarkable woman.



���If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.���


I was given a copy of Not for Turning: The Life of Margaret Thatcher from St Martin's Press

[Lianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focused more on Thatcher’s work and impact, not necessarily (I suspect) a straight biography and a day-to-day breakdown of every event that happened while she was in office. The major events that happened during Mrs. Thatcher’s time are presented thematically, which was helpful. It's accessible and quite engaging to read; I found I couldn't quite put it down.

I thought the presentation of Margaret Thatcher as a leader and as a person was balanced in that the author recognised and pointed out what critics and other biographies have stated about her. Critics may argue that her presentation is biased in this nook but I thought his book was insightful and at least he recognised some of Mrs. Thatcher’s weaknesses and failings.

Overall, I thought Not for Turning was an illuminating read, especially as it was the first book I’ve ever read on Margaret Thatcher. My favourite parts of this book was actually the anecdotes and stories about her personal life: her early years, balancing a personal life with her husband while working and leading a nation, etc. Students of British politics and contemporary British history may find this book especially interesting.

You can read this review in its entirety over at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2...

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A seemingly honest account of Margaret Thatchers time in parliament and her enduring legacy to British society, politics and international affairs. However, the book does require some previous knowledge of her government and it glosses over the real social and economic impacts in Britain. But all in all, it was a really interesting factual narrative of one of histories most compelling leaders. Love her or loathe her Maggie Thatcher was a woman of purpose to stuck to her convictions and beliefs.
highly recommended 3.5 stars

[David Zabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A seemingly honest account of MT's time in parliament and her enduring legacy to British society, politics and international affairs. However, the book does require some previous knowledge of her government and it glosses over the real social and economic impacts in Britain.

[Richard Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather poorly written hagiography. It's on Kindle so cheaper than a proper book so no huge loss. I'm struggling with it.

[Jindřich Čermák · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fanouškové Železné lady budou vrnět blahem. Já fanouškem nejsem a tedy jsem zcela logicky blahem nevrněl.