Impossible Office?: The History of the British Prime Minister

This book explores the history of the Prime Minister's office, explaining why it has endured longer than any other democratic political office in world history. It discusses the lives and careers of all our great Prime Ministers, from Robert Walpole to Margaret Thatcher, and reveals the changing relationship between the Monarchy and the office. It celebrates the humanity and frailty, work and achievement, of these 55 remarkable individuals who have averted revolution and civil war and led the country through times of peace, crisis, and war.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 430 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This book, marking the third centenary of the office of Prime Minister, delves into its extraordinary history, shedding light on the reasons behind its unparalleled longevity in democratic political offices worldwide. Historian Sir Anthony Seldon, who has extensively researched the history of Number 10 Downing Street, takes readers on a captivating journey through the lives, careers, loves, scandals, successes, and failures of all our great Prime Ministers. Spanning from the era of Robert Walpole and William Pitt the Younger to Clement Attlee and Margaret Thatcher, Seldon examines which of these leaders have been most effective in their roles and explores the evolving relationship between the Monarchy and the office of the Prime Minister. In intimate detail, he reveals how the increasing power of the Prime Minister coincided with the gradual decline of the Monarchy's influence in British leadership.

This book serves as a celebration of the humanity and frailty, work and achievement, of these 55 remarkable individuals. Through their leadership, they averted revolution and civil war, guiding the country through times of peace, crisis, and war. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on British history, shaping the nation's trajectory and influencing the course of world events.

As we reflect on the past three centuries of Prime Ministerial office, this book offers valuable insights into the evolution of political power, the dynamics of monarchical and democratic systems, and the remarkable individuals who have shaped the course of our nation. It is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of democracy and a reminder of the critical role that leaders play in shaping the future of our world.

\n Weight: 768g\n
Dimension: 161 x 234 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781316515327\n \n