The Conservative Party: From Thatcher to Cameron (Hardcover)

"Much the best book that has been written on the contemporary Conservative party. Bale′s analysis is extremely impressive. It will make this book the leading book in the field, and very unlikely to be quickly surpassed."
Andrew Gamble

"Tim Bale has produced the best guide to the changing nature of the Conservative Party yet published. He appears to have read everything and spoken to everyone that matters to produce an eminently readable and interesting book. It should be required reading for all students of politics, as well as anyone wanting to know more about the contemporary Conservative Party."
Philip Cowley

"How did David Cameron find the key to success which the Tory Party has lost since 1997? Tim Bale′s book, while thoroughly readable, covers this subject more convincingly and in greater depth than most political journalists. He has done an excellent job."
Douglas Hurd

"Tim Bale has succeeded in combining an accurate overview of the Conservative Party′s history from Thatcher to Cameron with a wealth of intimate detail. The combination makes the book a riveting read, and a must for all devotees of modern politics."
Baroness Shephard

"This is the first comprehensive treatment of the Conservative Party since Margaret Thatcher. The period has seen extraordinary changes in the Party′s fortunes and now we have a well–researched and balanced account of what happened."
David Willetts MP

"Tim Bale′s well–researched volume is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the Conservative Party′s recent history. The book is extremely accessible to the lay reader and chronicles not only some of the party′s darkest days, but also its rediscovery of the will to win under David Cameron."
Jonathan Isaby, Co–Editor, ConservativeHome.com

"Now poised for national success again Conservatives should treat Tim Bale′s timely account of their recent history as essential reading. Detailing the Party′s highs and lows this book reminds us of the scale of the challenge that faced David Cameron′s new leadership, and illuminates his strategy for recovery."
Jo–Anne Nadler

"This is an excellent book immaculately researched. Tim Bale traces the downfall of the Conservative Party leading to the catastrophic defeat of 1997. He sheds new light on the party′s continuing slide which was only conclusively ended when David Cameron became leader and moved back onto the centre ground of politics. He reveals the "villains" of the story – not least the ideologically driven commentators – but his central question goes wider. He asks how it was that a party which had consistently sought power through the years lost the will to win? It is a book which Conservative politicians would be well advised to read now that, at long last, they have the opportunity of returning to government."
Norman Fowler

The answers, as this accessible and gripping book shows, are as intriguing and provocative as the questions. Based on in–depth research and interviews with the key players, Tim Bale explains how and why the Tories got themselves into so much trouble – and how and why they were eventually able to rediscover their winning ways. The answer, he suggests, lies in the people, the power structures, the ideas, and the very different interests of those involved. The Conservative Party: From Thatcher to Cameron is a must–read for anyone wanting to understand what makes the Tories tick.