Margaret Thatcher: A Modern Leader

By: Amy Edwards, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Amy Edwards

The 1980s was a decade of change for many countries, but for Great Britain, it could be considered radical. The economic transformation of Britain during that period bears the indelible mark of Margaret Thatcher and her policies.

In this Audible Original, Professor Amy Edwards takes you through the life and leadership of Margaret Thatcher. See how she went from being a shopkeeper’s daughter who lived above her parent’s corner shop to holding Britain’s top job and earning a reputation as one of the most influential politicians of the 20th century.

In addition, Professor Edwards considers just how revolutionary the social, economic, and political changes overseen by Thatcher’s government really were and the effects they had on the daily lives of Britons of all ages and classes. And she concludes with Thatcher’s contentious fall from power, showing how, even after the end of her premiership, “Thatcherism” continued to live on under her successors.

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Great Introduction

Particularly for us Americans who only know The Iron Lady as the female Reagan. Very informative to have a British perspective.

Clear analysis of Thatchers time in office & insights regarding her influence & relevancy today.

Well narrated, insightful & balanced portrait of a leader in a time of major transition for Great Britain The issues Margaret Thatcher & Britain dealt with during her years in office & beyond are still the primary issues dividing us today & not just in UK.

Professor is not a Thatcher’s fan

While Pr. Edwards try’s to be balanced, her biases are quite apparent. Curious why The Teaching Company made this choice of the professor, given that most listeners are Ms. Thatcher supporters.

As for the lectures, I would give it a 3 at most as Ms. Thatchers points of view are are well addressed and constantly criticized. Major events during the era are barely touched, e.g. Argentinian war, fall of USSR, etc

Refresher on Thatcher

This is a very powerful but succinct narrative on the rise and reign of Margaret Thatcher. It tells the concise story of modern conservatism in Britain and partly explains the road to Brexit. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to breeze through modern British history and politics

Good introduction

Maybe history isn't for me or maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention but I wasn't blown away. it was a good introduction and it's free so you'll enjoy it. Interesting to learn about Margaret Thatcher.

A Look at the Iron Lady

The Iron Lady continues to be a controversial figure more than 30 years after the end of her time as prime minister. This very brief biography from Great Courses looks at her in her time and the great challenges facing her and her nation while she was in office. It’s a reminder that the eighties were a tumultuous period and that Britain was still trying to figure out its place in the world now that its empire had been brought to an end. All in all, it’s a very interesting book.

Compelling information and a pleasure to listen to

Living through an historic period is not always the best way to understand it. These lectures are a fascinating way to understand the rise, the eleven years of power, and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher! They pull together and make understandable the headlines and news of the late 20th century in Britain. Professor Edwards’ excellent material and delivery make the period come alive. Very enriching listening experience!

An anthology of her critics perspectives

Disappointed in how little consideration was given to Thatcher’s accomplishments, the justifications for her positions, and their merits before moving to rebutt each one, serving to undermine the subject of the lectures. Irrespective of party, what she was able to do is incredibly impressive and her contemporary support was built as on more than marketing campaigns, Seems to use “Thatcherite” as a pejorative.

The most biased lecture on Great Courses!

Although lecturers on Great Courses often have their own ideological perspective, they usually make some effort to be, if not neutral, then at least fair. Not Professor Edwards. Every syllable about Thatcher that passes Edwards' lips drips with sarcasm and contempt. This is an ideological screed, not a scholarly endeavor. Some of the attempts to deny Thatcher any credit for any accomplishment are comical. The "course" had the opposite of its intended effect on me: it caused me to walk away with greater admiration for Thatcher and a sense of the bullheadedness that she had to face down among her critics.