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The Autobiography cover art

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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  • Overall
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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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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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fascinating woman.

I would have preferred the book to have a better chronological order. however listening to Margaret narrate her own autobiography was fantastic!

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The best British Prime Minister ever.

Fantastic story of the greatest British Prime Minister. So sad that today our great nation has politicians so lacking in stature and ability. I am thankful to have lived through her time in office and all that she strove to achieve.

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Didn't quite hit the mark, but worth listening to

I was in my teens when Thatcher was in power. I admired her strength and leadership but hated her policies. I wanted to learn more about the philosophy that drove her polices and Mrs Thatcher as a person. They were the two areas I found the book rather lacking. However it did give a detailed account of the key moments of her time as leader which was fascinating to learn about.

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Enjoyed this very much

I can’t help but like Margaret Thatcher despite a feeling I maybe shouldn’t. She feels like a guilty pleasure. Listening to her herself layout her path to power and tears in office was for the most part interesting. There were some dull parts when she was talking about economics, single currency, inflation etc but these were few. I enjoyed hearing about the relationships she had with colleagues but also of her speeches she made and challenges she faced. The love for her husband was also evident. I was a child during her time in office so I learned a lot. She can often sound condescending and patronising but her strength of character and passion for the job is admirable.

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