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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

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The Prime Ministers

By: Iain Dale
Narrated by: Iain Dale
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Summary

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©2020 Iain Dale
Europe Great Britain Politicians Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State Winston Churchill England Royalty Imperialism Socialism Thought-Provoking Inspiring Africa
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an interesting book providing insight into memorable and less memorable leaders of the country. Some of the latter essays are writing with bias which is clearly there which devalue the essay of their subject, and the lack of proof reading or poor performance with incorrect dates are a distraction

needs to be proof read

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Iain Dale does himself credit with a wonderfully edited, intelligent and purposeful piece of political analysis. I had the preconception that Dale was a liberal leftwinger closed to any form of understanding of why the UK left the EU. I was expecting criticism abound of Conservative Prime Ministers but in fairness to the author he metes out praise and criticism in equal measures regardless of the political party they represent. This is a fascinating book and definitely one of the best reads on audible. Thank you Sir.

Fantastic Read

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Excellent book and good that you can dip into PMs of interest and understand a bit more about them. I’ve already brought my father in law the paperback version. Will be looking at the others ie Presidents of USA - as that will become a useful resource too. Please update when possible to over the 56 & 57th prime minister’s when the time is right

Excellent overview of britains pms

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Has the quality of a junior school textbook. A bit disjointed (probably due to having so many different authors) and lacks depth sadly.

Disappointing

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The content was amazing learnt a lot but Ian is not the person to narrate this book in my opinion in some places he was too hurried etc - needs more dramatic voices

Wrong person narrating this

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