| Abstract |
A character study of the most important Anglo-American friendship since FDR and Churchill. During their eight overlapping years in office, President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher worked together to promote lower taxes, deregulation, free trade, and an aggressive stance against the Soviet Union. But according to journalist Wapshott, the relationship was much deeper than an alliance of mutual interests. Drawing on interviews and recently declassified documents, Wapshott depicts a more complex, personal, and sometimes argumentative relationship than has previously been revealed. Reagan, the son of the town drunk, used his genial charm to win over his enemies and always focused on the big picture rather than details. Thatcher, the daughter of a strict middle-class shopkeeper, was a hard worker and master of details who would rather be respected than liked. Yet from their very first meeting in 1975, they recognized each other as political soulmates, committed not just to conservative principles but to getting things done.--From publisher description. |
