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The Prime Ministers
- Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to May
- Narrated by: Steve Richards
- Length: 13 hrs and 50 mins
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Summary
A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist.
At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Theresa May, it brilliantly brings to life all nine inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past 50 years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.
What listeners say about The Prime Ministers
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- Charles King-Tenison
- 12-03-20
Intriguing analysis - worth a listen
For anyone interested in leadership or British politics this book provides many intriguing insights and some fascinating analysis.
It may lack a sufficient line of judgment and is not a guide on how to be a PM, but it is a superb analysis on the last few PMs strengths and weaknesses
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2 people found this helpful
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- professor robin matthews
- 02-02-22
Highly recommended.
If anything, this audio is even better than the companion volume – Prime Minister's we never had. What's most interesting is the way Steve Richards synthesises his stories. Seeing Kinnock (other volume) in the light of the problems dealt with by Harold Wilson, re-assesses both most favourably; especially when compared to Miliband, and Cameron (To whom he is more than fair). Tangentially it made me more sympathetic to Theresa May and the impossible task she faced.
It's good to see Harold Wilson reinstated – about time.
I recommend listening to both of Steve Richards audiobooks beside Finton O;Ioole;s Heroic Failure. They complement each other
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-01-24
Incredible political analysis, delivered perfectly by the author
This is my third book I’ve listened to by Steve Richard’s (Turning Points, and Prime Ministers We Never Had, being the others). Once again Steve offers a balanced analysis to help novices like me understand our political leaders and the nuances of being a political leader. Steve is a great orator (his podcast Rock and Roll Politics and live shows around the UK are well worth checking out). He knows his stuff and offers original analysis that’s desperately needed and find thought provoking and entertaining. Thank you Steve for enriching our lives.
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- A. Morrow
- 14-11-20
Great insight into what make PM's tick
Really enjoyed this, fascinating look at the characteristics and achievements of each modern prime minister
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- John Clough
- 06-03-23
Thought provoking
Very enjoyable listen, interesting throughout, and has given me pause for thought about some of those prime ministers that I’ve lived through.
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- Anonymous User
- 21-05-20
Interesting take. Very odd issue with recording.
This is a good book delivered in a non-partisan way.
There was a really odd issue with the sound mixing that caused the reader’s voice to go up in pitch for a few chapters in the middle which was quite off-putting. Not sure if that was just me. But otherwise OK
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2 people found this helpful
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- Jason
- 10-03-21
Concise & thoughtful
Richards gives interesting and personal insight whilst keeping to his subjects. Good thumbnail sketches. Only slight criticism is use of same metaphors on some occasions, but so what?
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1 person found this helpful
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- andrew
- 06-05-20
good book good insights
only issue was the voice seemed to change half way through Blair. it was really off-putting and I thought it was a problem with my headphones.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Benjamin Maurice Parsons
- 21-05-20
Really interesting overview
A really good summary from a well informed journalist. I would recommend this to anyone, anyone who is interested in getting a relatively brief summary of these leaders
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- E. Barker
- 08-04-20
A competent and useful guide to leading the UK
I have always been interested in the nuance of political leadership, and the motivation behind any Prime Minister's rise to the top job.
In this overview of UK prime ministers from Wilson to May, you are taken on a journey through modern British political history. The author does a good job of challenging our assumptions about each Prime Minister and breaks away from the characatures that they are often remembered as long, after their time office. of particular interest was the depiction of Harold Wilson, Gordon brown and Margaret Thatcher who all are remembered very specifically by many.
the book does however read as something as a chronological description, whereas being able to introduce themes of leadership and politics as opposed to individual prime ministers one by one would perhaps have made a more complete and comparative analysis. in addition, one cannot help but feel that the author is more Blairite in their world view and it appears as though more doting is placed at Tony Blair than any other leader.
perhaps unfairly the book would have been even more complete had it's been able to take into account the leadership Boris Johnson. as a prime minister he appears to buck the trend of many of the arguments that are proposed in the book, and were the author to follow up in 5 to 10 years time I'm sure very different conclusions and reflections would have been reached.
it is however a very interesting overview and is much recommended to any person with an interest in modern British political history
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7 people found this helpful