The Free Economy and the Strong State: Politics of Thatcherism

The Thatcher era was a turbulent and controversial period in British politics. Andrew Gamble’s authoritative account - now revised and updated to cover Thatcher’s fall and legacy - analyses the ideology, statecraft, and economic and social programme of the Thatcher Government. He explores rival interpretations of Thatcherism and assesses the evidence for claims that the Thatcher Government transformed British politics. A new conclusion considers the Conservative Party after Thatcher. Reviewers comments on the first edition: ‘…this book is a fascinating review of the ferment in social and political life in the last quarter of the 20th century which will quickly become established on student reading lists.’ Talking Politics ‘…this excellent book achieves a level of dispassionate analysis which has been rare in most examinations of Mrs Thatcher’s politics. The book’s assessment of both the provisional and the enduring aspects of the Thatcher era seem likely to stand the test of time.’ Arthur Aughey, Political Studies