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  • The Alan Clark Diaries

  • In Power 1983-1992
  • By: Alan Clark
  • Narrated by: Alan Clark
  • Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (144 ratings)

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The Alan Clark Diaries

By: Alan Clark
Narrated by: Alan Clark
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Summary

This was Alan Clark’s first volume of diaries and the only one that he recorded. As such, it is a unique and historical record and reminder of the man and his work. To hear Alan Clark reading the book in his marvellously rich voice adds immeasurably to the pleasure of these informative and entertaining diaries.

The recording covers two Parliaments and constitutes the most outspoken and revealing account of British politics ever written. Cabinet colleagues, royalty, ambassadors, civil servants and foreign dignitaries are all subjected to his vivid and acerbic wit. This is a brilliant warts-and-all expose of our political and cultural life.

Clark describes the experience of being drunk after a wine tasting and delivering a statement in the House of Commons - with disastrous consequences; his desire to relieve his bladder from the balcony of his office in Whitehall on the heads of pedestrians walking below; and offers frank descriptions of John Major and Michael Heseltine amongst others.

His personal charm oozes out of these recordings, as does his candour and, on occasions, his bile. But equally the wit and humour are laugh-out-loud funny. He records things which others might only dare think.

Entwined with the politics, though, are revealing glimpses of his private life, which was very colourful, his beloved wife Jane, and also something of the wider culture of Britain in the 1980s.

©1993 The Alan Clark Estate (P)1993 Redbush Entertainment
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Critic reviews

”One is tempted to tell people to add this book to their stack of books to be read in the bathroom, in the certainty that the reader will light upon something very readable, stimulating, titivating, and immediately gripping.” ( The Independent)
”His voice and intonation are sublime. The epitome of an old Etonian, he nevertheless effs and blinds his way through the cream of the British political establishment. Now he is no longer with us, I finished listening to the recording and was saddened to think he hadn’t recorded the other volumes. Scoop this up now - it’s a gem”. (Amazon.com review)

What listeners say about The Alan Clark Diaries

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Brilliant

Totally outrageous, fascinating, compelling, clever and funny. Loved every sentence. Pity it was so short.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great

one of the most beautiful diaries in history. readable again and again. brings the 1980s back to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

My only criticism is that only one of the three books is available in audio form and that was abridged! Any reason publisher?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A satirical masterpiece of unqualified importance

Had to be read by the man himself, no other would have done it justice. Wonderfully irreverent, hilarious at times, poignant at others. For those who grew up during the heady Thatcher years, and regardless of your political persuasion, a truly eye-opening, first hand account of what it was like being beholden to the Iron Lady. Crucially, not in the style of the traditional, stoic memoir, but in the off the cuff, yet amazingly well written anecdotes the reader will struggle to believe could be true. The beauty is, they are just that! Abe Atchia, author of the Amazon best-seller, 'Bill Gardner: The Man, The Myth, The Legend'

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An alternative view on the Thatcher years from the straight talking Alan Clark

Thoroughly enjoyable with a great delivery by Alan Clark in that likeable, pompous, no nonsense manner he was known for. Whatever your politics it provides an interesting perspective on the workings of Government.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Riveting

He was a minister in a government that I despised, but bloody hell he was a deft and luminous writer. Highly recommended.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Entertaining but Short

Probably a little bit sporadic as it jumps between months, also would be nice to with hindsight or analysis by Clark

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

enjoyable waspishness

great fun to listen to, though does require some working knowledge of the politics of the time.

Recording is rather hissy though.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Compelling

Where does The Alan Clark Diaries rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my favourites - I only wish it wasn't the abridged version that I purchased

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Fantastic access to an intriguing mind and unashamedly bold character. Incredibly frank opinions from a seemingly callous, insensitive individual are intertwined with brilliantly touching descriptions that prove all the more poignant due to the juxtaposition.

Any additional comments?

Such a shame we have been deprived of him recording all of his diaries himself!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Entertaining and insightful

Greatly missed character the words are eloquent and spoken clearly moments of drama pathos and wit

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