The Political Rhetoric and Oratory of Margaret Thatcher

This book examines the political oratory, rhetoric and persona of Margaret Thatcher as a means of understanding her justifications for ‘Thatcherism’. The main arenas for consideration are set piece speeches to conference, media engagements, and Parliamentary orations. Thatcher’s rhetorical style is analysed through the lens of the Aristotelian modes of persuasion (ethos, pathos, logos). Furthermore, the classical methods of oratorical engagement (deliberative, epidictic, judicial) are employed to consider her style of delivery. The authors place her styles of communication into their respective political contexts over a series of noteworthy issues, such as industrial relations, foreign policy, economic reform, and party management. By doing so, this distinctive book shines new light on Thatcher and her political career.

Andrew S. Crines is Lecturer in British Politics at the University of Liverpool, UK. He is the co-editor (with Richard Hayton) of two volumes entitledLabour Orators from Bevan to Miliband (2015) and Conservative Orators from Baldwin to Cameron(2015). He is also the co-editor (with D. S. Moon and R. Lehrman) of Democratic Orators from JFK to Obama (2016) and (with K. Hickson) Harold Wilson: The Unprincipled Prime Minister?(2016). He tweets at @AndrewCrines.

Timothy Heppell is Associate Professor of Politics at the University of Leeds, UK. He is the author ofThe Tories from Churchill to Cameron (2014); the editor of Leaders of the Opposition (2012) and the co-editor (with D. Seawright) ofCameron and the Conservatives: The Transition to Coalition Government (2012).

Peter Dorey is Professor of British Politics at Cardiff University, UK. He is the author of a range of books focused on British politics such asBritish Conservatism: The Politics and Philosophy of Inequality (2011) and sits on the editorial board of the British Politics journal.