Margaret Thatcher: Power and Personality

I've read a few biographies on Margaret Thatcher to include her autobiography as well as her official biography by Charles Moore but I enjoyed and appreciated Margaret Thatcher: Power and Personality far more than those earlier reads primarily as a result of my perspective as an American not as familiar with the details of British politics and policy. Had I been a UK resident who lived through the current events and observed the media coverage I would've understood and likely better related to those other works a bit better.However I didn't find my American perspective to be as much of a barrier in reading Aitken's work. First, as the title states, he focused on Thatcher's personality and human traits something which we can all identify with and universally relate. Second, he consistently provided the background or summary of the events in question making it unnecessary to be grounded in UK current events to understand the context.Finally as an elected official I especially appreciated Aitken's view of Thatcher both as a fellow Conservative Party member and member of Parliament who knows first hand and expertly captures the pressures of elected office and its influence on one's actions and decisions. I also appreciated that he personally knew Prime Minister Thatcher to include dating the Thatchers' daughter Carol - a unique perspective that other authors cannot replicate.

This book, by a Conservative MP, did a very good job of revealing Margaret Thatcher's personality, both on her qualities that led to her rise in Tory leadership during a time of great confusion and uncertainty in the U.K., as well as the hubris the was responsible for her downfall. Indeed, the latter truth made for sad reading, as the author documented Thatcher's fall at the hands of her Cabinet--a scenario that never should have developed if Thatcher had only paid better attention to back-room politics and basic human relations to those she led and gave responsibility to. Generally, this is an engaging and well-researched read, though it also draws on the author's personal experiences with Thatcher and many of the principals involved. My only complaint is the repetition of certain phrases like "chalk-and-cheese" or "hubris" that get repeated way more than necessary in this book.

Really enjoyed this book. I did have to stop reading and go educate myself on how British government is structured. I knew our (American) government was patterned after Britain, but was ignorant of the details. I found myself getting very lost, so I had to spend some time understanding the structure and nuances of British government before I could enjoy this book.This is an honest, sweeping, stunning portrayal of Thatcher and her life from childhood to death. It covers everything from the early childhood forces that shaped her, her constant fight to break into a man's world, her forceful personality, her political beliefs and many of the politicians who both aided and hindered her. It spares no punches so you see Mrs. Thatcher in both good and bad light.I would highly recommend this book.

Ok I admit it: I love Margaret Thatcher and always have. I am also an Anglophile and read anything readable about British power brokers like the Honorable Lady. Author Jonathan Aitkin writes well and has the advantage of having served with Lady Thatcher for years. His insight is astute and adds a decidedly human touch to this biography of the Iron Lady that is unique and compelling. Buy it. My only negative is not about the book but about the way Brits seem to discard their greatest prime ministers like Churchill and Thatcher after these selfless public servants have guided their country though enormously difficult times. Sad. In the US we make even the most mediocre former presidents famously wealthy. Very sad.

Aitken paints a very descriptive, yet intriguing picture of Margaret Thatcher. He not only shows the strength and power of Margaret's personality, he also show the destructiveness of it as well. Aitken does not write one sided, instead he shows her human weakness and many flaws. I honestly did not want to finish the book, because of how well he portrayed her. He showed that Margaret was not only as the Iron Lady who struck fear into so many around the world but also as a fragile woman who could be hurt. This was one of the best biographies I have ever read, and I would recommend it. I have actually bought several copies for friends.

Great book about one of the greatest prime minister of our time. You really get to see things from a different point of view

I knew very little about Margaret Thatcher before reading this book. Of course she was in the news, along with Reagan, for many years, but I had no personal impression of her and her time in office.She changed Britain and the world in several major ways, especially with privatization and as a friend of Gorbachev. She had a lot going for intellectually, but her personality was divisive. Good book, fair, admiring, but doesn't pull punches. Well written, flows.

Excellent insightful book. Mr Atken makes it clear that this is not an Autobiography, but he still managers to give a fair and balanced view of what and how MS. Thaatcher's policies affected England and the world, which in his view were largerly positve. He paints a very good look of Thatcher's private and professional life. As avid reader of history and bios I highly recommend this book Dandieman

A full and interesting story of this remarkable womans life and achievements - one that is certainly readable time and again.This book provides the insight into her character and strengths, you wont really know her until you read this.

good read

Jonathan Aitken wrote a good biography of Margaret thatcher. It was not a difficult book to read and he made many notes on the family which helped to make it enjoyable for me. It was not bogged down with names and places and too much politics.

Very readable. Aitken is no sycophant, drawing attention to Thatcher's weaknesses as well as her strengths. If you lived through the 1980s it will bring back memories, and also provide fresh information and insights into a period that stopped Britain's post-war decline.

Aitken reveals he was the original choice to be the official biographer. he thinks enoch powell would have defeated thatcher in 75 for the leadership if he had been a conservative mp.