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The Autobiography

By: Margaret Thatcher
Narrated by: Margaret Thatcher
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Summary

A newly edited, single-volume commemorative edition of The Path to Power and The Downing Street Years; this is Margaret Thatcher in her own words.

Combining her memoirs The Path to Power and The Downing Street Years, this definitive account of Margaret Thatcher’s life is published as a one-volume commemorative edition for the first time. Margaret Thatcher was the towering figure of late-20th-century British politics. Now, following her death, in 2013, this is the story of her remarkable life, in her own words.

Beginning with her upbringing in Grantham, she goes on to describe her entry into Parliament. Rising through the ranks of this man’s world, she led the Conservative Party to victory in 1979, becoming Britain's first woman prime minister.

Offering a riveting firsthand account of the critical moments of her premiership - the Falklands War, the miners' strike, the Brighton bomb, and her unprecedented three election victories, the book reaches a gripping climax with an hour-by-hour description of her dramatic final days in 10 Downing Street. Margaret Thatcher's frank and compelling autobiography stands as a powerful testament to her influential legacy.

Read by Margaret Thatcher

©2013 Margaret Thatcher (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

Praise for The Downing Street Years:
"A book which should be read by everyone with any interest in contemporary history of political affairs". (Norman Tebbit, Daily Mail)
"Some things in this life are priceless. So are Margaret Thatcher’s guts. They have left their mark on the world. So will The Downing Street Years." ( Daily Express)

What listeners say about The Autobiography

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Great insight to a true leader

Having been brought up in the Welsh valleys in the 70s I was led to think of Thatcher as someone who brought the country to its knees. The reality course was the polar opposite and how much we miss her stewardship in 2020.

Very interesting personal insight of her upbringing and political life.

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4 people found this helpful

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Gripping first hand account

Wonderfully narrated, and an important historical autobiography. Her account of Falklands and her resignation: gripping.

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The Voice of Britain

This audiobook is a marvellous account of the History of Britain as seen through the eyes of Margaret Thatcher. I guess you either love her or hate her, but you certainly can't ignore her. Maggie's policies are as relevant today as they were then. Narrated by Margaret Thatcher, with passion and purpose you just want to stop and listen. Excellent.

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8 people found this helpful

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An eye opening piece of Political History

It was an amazing audio to listen to. I also enjoyed the detailed telling of her 11 years in office and the reasons behind her decisions.

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A great read whatever your politics!

If you have an interest in politics, modern history or an insight into some of the background to today's debate on Brexit then this is the book for you. Great to hear the Iron Lady at her best!

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Still holds up today

A fascinating insight into one of the greatest Prime Ministers the United Kingdom ever had told with her customary wit and determination. Any fan of British political history should consume this autobiography.

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A lady of substance

In this Autobiography, Margret Thatcher goes into detail about how she stayed up late into the night reading notes on law. How she ripped up her speeches and how she felt constantly alone at the top.

Being a person of substance she even starts talking about policy toward Europe and how America should stay top dog.

Unfortunately people are limited to the beliefs of their age. If Margret Thatcher was alive today she would witness the shambolic state of USA. it's not worthy of hegemony.

Sadly the generations deteriorate, as outlined by John glubbs. Britain needs a reboot.

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Fascinating insight

I enjoyed this. The prime minister of my childhood and a good insight into some of the big events of the 80’s.

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Going all in

All I see is the rarity of someone knowing what they want, from an early age, and going all in

Speak to people about Thatcher, and you’re going to get a migraine from all the opinions, based on individual circumstances. So, let’s step into these woman’s shoes and see how she led the UK for 3 consecutive terms as prime minister.

From my childhood, all I heard was “the iron lady” and “Thatcherism” which as a child built this thought of a cold blooded dictatorship, but now from the lens of a “people investor”, an entrepreneur, business owner, all I’m reading is a lady who wanted to leave this place in a better state in which she found it.

The fascinating stories never let up. From her upbringing as a greengrocers daughter, her fond family memories of dinner table stories to meeting her protective shield of a husband to being a mother, the message was clear…believe in yourself, acknowledge others and go all in to be the change you want to see in this world.

I was one of them kids that used to get the free bottle of milks at school, that Thatcher made mandatory, and I’m one of those business owners that opportunities would only have been made possible through her privatisation concepts.

Her passion for politics is undeniable, and at times completely lost me, but extract the career path she took and place the methods in a “self help” book and you have got recipes for success.

Yes, this book was published exactly 10 years ago, but I’m still trying to catch up on Plato’s work, so it doesn’t matter when you read this. When you want to be inspired, learn about innovations, how to successfully collaborate, and learn from other people’s mistakes, then this awesome inspiring book is for you.

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Well worth listening to.

Not a great fan of Margaret Thatcher, but cannot deny she re-shaped Britain, for better or worse.

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