The Prime Ministers, Iain Dale
The Prime Ministers, Iain Dale
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The Prime Ministers
The Parliamentary Book Award-winning account of Britain's leaders - a must-listen for anyone with an interest in British politics and history

Author: Iain Dale

Narrator: Iain Dale

Unabridged: 19 hr 52 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/12/2020


Synopsis

The ultimate guide to every Prime Minister there's ever been: 55 profiles by politicians, journalists and academics compiled by leading political commentator Iain Dale

Winner of the 2020 Parliamentary Awards for Best Political Book by a Non-Parliamentarian

A Times Political Book of the Year 2020

*Featuring a foreword by Boris Johnson*

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It has almost been 300 years since Sir Robert Walpole arguably became the first holder of the office of Prime Minister in 1721 - an office which today is under scrutiny like never before. The Prime Ministers, edited by leading political commentator Iain Dale, brings to life all 55 of Britain's 'First Among Equals' with an essay for each office holder, written by key figures in British politics. From the obscure 18th-century figures like the Earl of Shelburne to 20th-century titans like Churchill and Thatcher, this book provides a much-needed reminder about their motivations, failures and achievements.

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PRAISE FOR THE PRIME MINISTERS:

'An entertaining, thorough and informative canter through the characters and stories of prime ministers past.' - New Statesman

'A wealth of enjoyable insights into three centuries of Westminster politics . . . It is a most elegant hardback volume, with a gilded cover that looks a little like the famous front door of No. 10 itself.' - Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

'This is a timely study of UK Prime Ministers and Iain Dale has done the subject a great service with this measured and thoughtful labour of love which offers a fascinating set of insights into the history of Britain, politics, the role of Prime Minister, and elite and establishment power... a superb guide to the times we have lived through and are living in.' - Gerry Hassan, Scottish Review

About Iain Dale

Iain Dale is an award-winning broadcaster and presenter of the Evening Show on LBC Radio. He is the author/editor of more than 60 books and co-host of the Where Politics Meets History podcast. He has twice been named Radio Presenter of the Year and is the founder and former Managing Director of Biteback Publishing. He hosts the theatre show Iain Dale All Talk. Iain lives in Tunbridge Wells.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Paul on April 19, 2021

There are some funny examples of the Peter Principle at work here – this is where a person is very good at their various jobs in an organisation but is finally promoted to the job they can’t do. We just lived through the three gruesome years of Theresa May, Queen Midas in Reverse, and you had to ask......more

Goodreads review by Alice Jackman on November 27, 2020

This book is really quite fascinating. I picked it up because I was slightly ashamed that I could name more American presidents than I could prime ministers. It was the right book to choose as it gives you a good overview of all the PMs since Walpole. Some are naturally more interesting than others.......more

Goodreads review by Jacob on February 19, 2022

A strong collection of essays on every Prime Minister the country has had since Sir Robert Walpole, through to Boris Johnson. The makeup of the book works heavily in its favour - with each essay being penned by a different author, what had the potential to become a very repetitive read is improved b......more

Goodreads review by Jeshni on May 09, 2021

Interesting book that details the evolution of politics in the UK. Not necessarily an easy read as each chapter is written by a different author so the quality and style vary drastically. What struck me is how leadership (and being able to cling to it) is finally a strange mixture of competence, lik......more