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  • Turning Points

  • Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss
  • By: Steve Richards
  • Narrated by: Steve Richards
  • Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (45 ratings)

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Turning Points

By: Steve Richards
Narrated by: Steve Richards
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Summary

The Times Best Politics and Current Affairs Books of the Year

An entertaining and revealing history of modern British politics from Steve Richards, broadcaster, journalist, and author of The Prime Ministers We Never Had.

Every few weeks in British politics, a columnist will reach for the word ‘unprecedented’ as a cabinet minister resigns or yet another inquiry is called. We have become so accustomed to turmoil that it is impossible to take a breath and see where we are headed. In this magisterial history, respected broadcaster and journalist Steve Richards puts the recent chaos into context and takes a step back to explore ten critical moments that have shaped modern Britain.

From the Suez Crisis of 1956 to the Covid-19 pandemic, from 1945 to Thatcher, Richards argues that it is only with distance that we can perceive the tectonic plates shifting – and events that may seem earth-shattering in the moment might be a passing tremor with the perspective of history.

With his trademark insight, forged over several decades as one of the UK’s foremost political commentators, Richards blends anecdote and analysis to explore the biggest events in British political history. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand our nation, this landmark work is enlightening and entertaining in equal measure.

©2023 Steve Richards, Steve Richards Media Limited (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Critic reviews

A wonderful book to savour. Only Richards can take you on a journey that flies so gracefully above the hurly-burly of politics and explain what’s actually going on (Isabel Hardman, author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians)
A pure pleasure to read. Richards is the ideal companion for anyone wishing to taste, feel and understand the ebbs and flows of the British experience since the end of the Second World War. The key characters live and breathe in his pages (Peter Hennessy, historian and author of A Duty of Care)
A masterly account. Insightful, thoughtful and above all full of empathy, Turning Points is a work of understanding as well as scholarship (Gavin Esler, journalist and author of How Britain Ends)

What listeners say about Turning Points

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outstanding

Once again Steve Richards writes an insightful and we'll reached piece of political history and analysis.
beautifully presented too he has a real talent for voice work.
a must listen for anyone interested in British politics

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Left leaning I think.

From his media appearances I used to think he was balanced, but there are certain sentences and poorly concealed opinions which have altered my view of that. Born in 56, and broadly interested in current affairs since about the early 70's, I found this a very nostalgic trip down memory lane, and as a history of what went before the 70's it's very useful for portraying a perspective etc.
However, he cannot hide his sneering treatment of recent conservative politicians, but you can't blame him for that.
A useful read for students of political history, and delivered in the mesmerising style of AJP Taylor, which will please him no doubt; but Mike Yarwood he ain't.🤨

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Very interesting

Very interesting although Steve’s usually excellent delivery is a little flat at times. Nevertheless highly recommended.

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Such depth and clarity

A great run through of vital moments in Britain’s political history. Richards doesn’t just look at the events themselves but the personal and political motivations of the people involved.

A great read and an essential one for anyone who wants to know how we got to where we are.

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Fantastic analysis

Steve Richard’s is the most thoughtful of current political commentators who analyses issues without ranting or posturing. A balanced analysis that requires at least a second listen to absorb everything.

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Fantastic

Absolutely brilliant take on the pivotal moments in our politics. Highly recommend the podcast too.

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A detailed account of past and present

In depth historical and contemporary account of politics. Very interesting look at events and far reaching consequences. Recommend the podcast!

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Characters

Brought it all to life history as it should be told
Event driven
Very lively

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Very good analysis

Very interesting, very knowledgeable but also with very good conclusions.

I liked author's distance to big figures like Thatcher (She was very lucky...)

I wasn't so sure about Truss / Sunak chapter as these are very recent events, book could have done without these.

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Brilliant political analysis

If you love the Rock and Roll politics podcast, you’ll love this book.

Balanced, thoughtful, often funny, this book helps gain a broader perspective on politics in the last 80 years. Highly recommended.

Thank you, Steve, for helping me understand our political landscape, making me an informed voter.

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