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The Prime Ministers We Never Had

Success and Failure from Butler to Corbyn
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( 657 ratings, 79 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Prime Ministers We Never Had by Steve Richards offers an intriguing exploration into the lives and careers of ten British politicians who came close to becoming Prime Minister but never quite made it. Through detailed profiles, Richards examines the political landscapes and pivotal moments that shaped their near misses while providing insight into how these figures influenced British politics and what might have been different under their leadership. This biography and memoir category book is an engaging reflection on ambition, power, and the unpredictable nature of political success.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by political intrigue and want to explore the untold stories of political figures who almost reached the top. It delves into the ambitions, decisions, and circumstances that shaped their near-miss paths, offering a fresh perspective on British political history through insightful analysis and engaging storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A fascinating history of the almost men and women in UK politics by a seasoned political journalist.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Prime Ministers We Never Had by Steve Richards was named Book of the Year by The Times, Guardian, and Prospect.

Was Harold Wilson a bigger figure than Denis Healey? Was John Major more 'prime ministerial' than Michael Heseltine? Would David Miliband have become prime minister if it were not for his brother Ed? Would Ed have become prime minister if it were not for David? How close did Jeremy Corbyn come to being prime minister?

In this piercing and original study, journalist and commentator Steve Richards examines eleven prime ministers we never had. He explores what made each of these illustrious figures unique and why they failed to make the final leap to the very top.

Combining astute insights into the demands of leadership with compelling historical analysis, this fascinating exploration of failure and success sheds new light on some of the most compelling characters in British public life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Prime Ministers We Never Had by Steve Richards has received positive reviews for its insightful examination of political figures who nearly assumed the role of British Prime Minister. Critics appreciate Richards's thorough research and even-handed approach, noting the book as both thought-provoking and entertaining. Reviewers highlight its engaging narrative and the fresh perspectives it offers on British political history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781838952426

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 September 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 288g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Steve Richards is a political columnist, journalist, and presenter. He regularly presents The Week in Westminster on BBC Radio 4 and has presented BBC radio series on Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May. He also presented the BBC TV programmes Leadership Reflections: The Modern Prime Ministers and Reflections: The Prime Ministers We Never Had. He has written for several national newspapers including the Guardian, the Independent and the Financial Times. He also presents a popular political one man show each year at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK.

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