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The Prime Ministers

The Parliamentary Book Award-winning account of Britain's leaders - a must-listen for anyone with an interest in British politics and history

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The Prime Ministers

By: Iain Dale
Narrated by: Iain Dale
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About this listen

 The ultimate guide to every Prime Minister there's ever been: 55 profiles by politicians, journalists and academics compiled by leading political commentator Iain Dale

Winner of the 2020 Parliamentary Awards for Best Political Book by a Non-Parliamentarian

A Times Political Book of the Year 2020

*Featuring a foreword by Boris Johnson*

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It has almost been 300 years since Sir Robert Walpole arguably became the first holder of the office of Prime Minister in 1721 - an office which today is under scrutiny like never before. The Prime Ministers, edited by leading political commentator Iain Dale, brings to life all 55 of Britain's 'First Among Equals' with an essay for each office holder, written by key figures in British politics. From the obscure 18th-century figures like the Earl of Shelburne to 20th-century titans like Churchill and Thatcher, this book provides a much-needed reminder about their motivations, failures and achievements.

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PRAISE FOR THE PRIME MINISTERS:

'An entertaining, thorough and informative canter through the characters and stories of prime ministers past.' - New Statesman

'A wealth of enjoyable insights into three centuries of Westminster politics . . . It is a most elegant hardback volume, with a gilded cover that looks a little like the famous front door of No. 10 itself.' - Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

'This is a timely study of UK Prime Ministers and Iain Dale has done the subject a great service with this measured and thoughtful labour of love which offers a fascinating set of insights into the history of Britain, politics, the role of Prime Minister, and elite and establishment power... a superb guide to the times we have lived through and are living in.' - Gerry Hassan, Scottish Review©2020 Iain Dale Europe Great Britain Politicians Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State Winston Churchill England Royalty Imperialism Socialism Thought-Provoking Inspiring Africa
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Most relevant
The content was amazing learnt a lot but Ian is not the person to narrate this book in my opinion in some places he was too hurried etc - needs more dramatic voices

Wrong person narrating this

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This book has wonderful chapters explaining how the office of Prime Minister came to be.

Subsequent chapters on all of the men and women to have been first lords of the treasury.

Very much enjoyed chapters on the lesser known prime Ministers such as the Earl of Derby and Archibald Primrose.

The only problem I have with this book is that it’s a collection of essays on each Prime Minister from many different writers, academics, politicians etc etc. Because of this the book lacks a familiar voice across the chapters - each hand portraying the prime ministers in their own style.

With some structure around brith place, party affiliation and burial which is good.

The audiobooks chapters are misalign also - so when you start the chapter on Pitt the Younger you get audio from the last. I hope that can be fixed

Informative but lacks Unity

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Loved hearing about the life of all the PM's, gives flesh to the lives of the little known ones e. g. the Earl Of Aberdeen, Henry Pelham & Viscount Goderich. as well as the ones we've all heard of like Churchill, Disraeli & Gladstone & more modern ones like Thatcher, Blair & current incumbent Johnson.

Great Listen

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A very good insight to all of our Prime Ministers through history and who they are

A Good insight

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an interesting book providing insight into memorable and less memorable leaders of the country. Some of the latter essays are writing with bias which is clearly there which devalue the essay of their subject, and the lack of proof reading or poor performance with incorrect dates are a distraction

needs to be proof read

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