Like most of other books in this series, this is a fairly good introduction to the topic, though it does have its strengths and weaknesses. Given that this was written in 1996, it touches on many of the various debates and issues surrounding Thatcher's rule as PM. He also gives a short introduction to the historical, political and ideological context in which she rose to power and highlights the reasons she fell from grace. The author, Peter Pugh, rightfully states that it is too early (at the time he was writing) to pass a definitive judgement on Thatcher and Thatcherism, but does mention some of the differing views on her rule. The author seems to agree with those commentators that say that her intervention in British politics, and especially her steamrolling of the unions was a great and necessary good for the country, but that her record as a monetarist and her anti-Keynesian policies left a more mixed legacy. ( )