Read about a fifth before grinding to a halt. It is well researched but perhaps too dependent on using popular media as a reflection of events. ( )

Margaret Thatcher’s association with a decade of British politics remains a feat unique in modern times – no other politician had the longevity or personality to dominate a decade quite as she did. As such, though it’s structured to cover a single decade much as Turner’s other books are, it’s an admirably coherent account and an entertaining gallop through what remains a controversial decade.

Turner’s approach is similar to that of Dominic Sandbrook’s, though his use of longer timescales means he’s not quite as thorough. His political history is logically structured; one section for each of Thatcher’s three terms in office. The effect of the policies is reflected through both reportage and popular culture, often using the most incongruous of shows or books to illustrate his point. This use of pop culture gives Turner’s narrative colour and brings reactions to this most controversial of administrations to life. Given the left wing nature of many in the creative arts this means that the book won’t be to the taste of too many Thatcher supporters – Turner’s often highly critical of the government and its policies and creditably wary of the dangers of a government with effective carte blanche to ignore any opposition. The theoretical point of Parliamentary democracy is to provide checks and balances to ensure properly considered legislation; the regimes of both Thatcher and Blair illustrate the dangers of what happens when one side dominates so strongly. Mind you, the factionalised Labour party don’t come off much better; nor does the mildly tragic figure of David Owen. The question of what might have happened if the internal politics of the Labour party had been less vitriolic is raised but never quite states the logical conclusion that the Tory domination of the 80s was down to the SDP splitting the anti-Thatcher vote to no good effect, by their very existence ensuring the dominance of an ideology alien to them. So Thatcherism: Blame David Owen. At least we got some great music, literature and TV out of it. ( )