Charles Moore (3) (1956–)

It would be hard to overstate how excellent this biography is. It is authoritative, objective and scrupulously researched and annotated. Charles Moore seemingly had access to all of the extant official paperwork, and conducted new interviews with every principal player who was still alive. Despite his level of access, he shows no fear when questioning or criticising his interviewees. The fact that Moore was a political journalist during the period covered gives him a keen perception of show more events and personalities, plus an instinct for finding the story beneath the surface. This is a yardstick by which to measure all biographies that would aspire to greatness. show less

Although this is the official biography, few personal papers were available: Mrs Thatcher didn't keep these before she became Prime Minister. In the absence of these, Mr Moore has had to interview a large number of her contemporaries. Their recollections bring the past to life. Mr Moore is not an unqualified admirer of his subject. This is a book that anyone interested in the period cannot afford to miss.

I have taken a short break from "Maggie," but I am re-acquainting myself with her.
This book is simply fantastic. The details and the interspersed humor from Moore make this text race along. Though I was a youngster when much of the story actually occurred, I am reminded of things that were prominent in the news at the time, and have faint but real memories of life in England in the late seventies.

This must surely be regarded as the essential boigraphy of a remarkable politician. Mr Moore has interviewed most of Mrs T's contemporaries and this really brings the story to life. Particularly intereting for those, like me, who were reading the newspapers at the time.