Mrs Thatcher has cited the breaking of the post-war political consensus, established with the support of dominant groups in the Conservative and Labour parties, as one of her objectives. In this penetrating study of her style and performance, she emerges as both the midwife and the product of the collapse of consensus. Mrs Thatcher has cited the breaking of the post-war political consensus, established with the support of dominant groups in the Conservative and Labour parties, as one of her objectives. In this penetrating study of her style and performance, she emerges both as the midwife of the collapse of consensus and also as its product.

'up-to-date, thorough and deeply informed' News Statesman
'a characteristically solid and well-balanced assessment...a valuable delineation of both the nature and the substance of Thatcherism.' Philip Norton Parliamentary Affairs
'Kavanagh surveys Thatcherism in practice with a commendable detachment and finds the record mixed...As a survey of recent trends in British politics and a study of what governments can achieve, it will be an essential item in reading lists for British politics courses.' Times Higher Education Supplement
'Dennis Kavanagh's book is the most comprehensive treatment of Thatcherism so far, a perceptive and stimulating history and commentary. The evidence and arguments are clearly laid out, and cooly appraised, in a way which should encourage readers to develop their own assessments. The book is a considerable achievement in the field of contemporary history.' Parliamentary Affair
'up-to-date, thorough and deeply informed' New Statesman
"...this is an excellent orthodox introduction for those seeking a text at 'A' level and above..." TEACHING POLITICS JANUARY 1987
"...an accurate and careful summary of what social scientists and political commentators have written about the Thatcher government and the events which gave rise to it." New Society 20 March 1987