The first volume of Alan Clark's diaries, covering two Parliaments during which he served under Margaret Thatcher - until her ousting in a coup which Clark observed closely from the inside - and then under John Major, constitute the most outspoken and revealing account of British political life ever written. Cabinet colleagues, royalty, ambassadors, civil servants and foreign dignitaries are all subjected to Clark's vivid and often wittily acerbic pen, as he candidly records the daily struggle for ascendancy within the corridors of power.
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Book Description
The first volume of Alan Clark's bestselling DIARIES, covering the downfall of Margaret Thatcher.
About the Author
Alan Clark, educated at Eton and Oxford, read for the Bar but did not practise. Tory MP for Plymouth Sutton 1972-1992; Kensington and Chelsea, 1997-99. Various junior ministerial appointments in the Margaret Thatcher and John Major governments of the 1980s. Best-known for his Diaries (three vols) which The Times placed in the Samuel Pepys class. They were filmed by teh BBC with John Hurt as Clark and Jenny Agutter as Jane Clark. Alan Clark died in 1999.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
A brilliant warts-and-all expose of the United Kingdom's runaway political party of the 1980's. Deeply honest, often brilliant, occasionally slipping into self-pitying apathy, Alan Clark documents a uniquely personal (and, many would say, uncomfortably realistic) view of the steamroller that was Thatcherism. Balanced by an enviable personal account of his time as one of the upper classes, this book delivers pleasure by the bucket-load on many levels. Overall, an immensley enjoyable and insightful read - even if, like myself, you do not share his views, background, politics, etc. The world is a poorer place without Alan Clark.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Alan Clark's diaries are a compelling read. The man may be pomposity personified, hold unbelievably snobbish views on the importance to Britain of the landed gentry and his sheer vanity can take your breath away, but his personal charm oozes out of the book. He's frank, funny, articulate and (as he keeps on telling us) deeply intelligent. He's not afraid to put on paper things that remain only in most people's subconscious. There's a lovely early entry when, installed in his first ministerial office, he wonders if urinating from his seventh floor window on the pedestrians below might be enough to get him sacked. They'd hush it up he concludes - but doesn't test his theory.
Alan Clark's political views belong to a different (before his own) era, but his insights into the political process, his proximity to the hub of Government during the Thatcher years and the pure recklessness of his entries make this a great book.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
These diaries undoubtedly rank alongside Samuel Pepys and Chips Channon. Clark's utter shamelessness- he reminds himself to buy a Valentine's cardfor his mistress, and refers to his party's left as 'wankers'- isboth amusing and endearing. They also give n insight into the behind-the-scenes action in Mrs. Thatcher's government (Clark also records his crush on the Iron Lady)as well as the famed plotting and quiet arrangements of British politicians. Breath-takingly audacious and extremely funny, these diaries are well worth a read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dull
Very dull and gave up without finishing. Was expecting a bit more gossip and excitement. Nowhere near as interesting as other political autobiographies I have read
Published 4 months ago by mm
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gift
as part of the set of three for my husband who has been wanting to read them for some time.
Published 4 months ago by G. Braund
5.0 out of 5 stars
"But They Are Real Diaries."
One thing is for sure, these are real diaries. If you want to see under the bonnet of politics and government, then a read of Alan Clark's diurnal scribblings will repay your time. Read more
Published 4 months ago by T. T. Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the last great British politicians
Alan Clarke was one of the last genuine politicians who had the interests of the British people at heart and dare I say, also the Europeans. Read more
Published on 20 April 2011 by A European Man
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best one
Excellent reviews are published by people far more articulate than me - so all I would like to add is that having bought this book shortly after it was published I still pick it up... Read more
Published on 13 Feb 2011 by C. Richardson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Diaries
Condition as described or better, delivery better than predicted and in time for Christmas which was most important and , in view of the problems at that time, exceptionally good. Read more
Published on 20 Jan 2011 by Dr. J. Dover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional fun
Of the three volumes of diaries, this is by far the most fun. I believe it is also the only volume published in Alan's lifetime (and there has recently been some debate about... Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2010 by A. Horne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read and re-read
This us quite simply one of my favourite books. Although I am interested in politics I don't think you would have to be to enjoy the book. Read more
Published on 19 April 2009 by C. Richardson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Did he buy his own furniture?
If the late, great Alan Clark had never existed, someone needed to invent him. A clever, verbose, rich, well-connected Lothario whose life was peppered with famous names and... Read more
Published on 2 Nov 2008 by Bianca White
4.0 out of 5 stars
All the fascination of a car wreck
This, and the other diaries, make excellent, though disturbing, reading. There's no political thought as such here, rather the thoughts of a man who was a member of, and a junior... Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2005 by Davey
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