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The Alan Clark Diaries
- In Power 1983-1992
- Narrated by: Alan Clark
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
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The Alan Clark Diaries
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Summary
This was Alan Clark’s first volume of diaries and the only one that he recorded. As such, it is a unique and historical record and reminder of the man and his work. To hear Alan Clark reading the book in his marvellously rich voice adds immeasurably to the pleasure of these informative and entertaining diaries.
The recording covers two Parliaments and constitutes the most outspoken and revealing account of British politics ever written. Cabinet colleagues, royalty, ambassadors, civil servants and foreign dignitaries are all subjected to his vivid and acerbic wit. This is a brilliant warts-and-all expose of our political and cultural life.
Clark describes the experience of being drunk after a wine tasting and delivering a statement in the House of Commons - with disastrous consequences; his desire to relieve his bladder from the balcony of his office in Whitehall on the heads of pedestrians walking below; and offers frank descriptions of John Major and Michael Heseltine amongst others.
His personal charm oozes out of these recordings, as does his candour and, on occasions, his bile. But equally the wit and humour are laugh-out-loud funny. He records things which others might only dare think.
Entwined with the politics, though, are revealing glimpses of his private life, which was very colourful, his beloved wife Jane, and also something of the wider culture of Britain in the 1980s.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about The Alan Clark Diaries
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Neil
- 19-09-16
An alternative view on the Thatcher years from the straight talking Alan Clark
Thoroughly enjoyable with a great delivery by Alan Clark in that likeable, pompous, no nonsense manner he was known for. Whatever your politics it provides an interesting perspective on the workings of Government.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- murni@murnis.com
- 08-02-24
Brilliant
Totally outrageous, fascinating, compelling, clever and funny. Loved every sentence. Pity it was so short.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- s t kember
- 01-04-15
Brilliant
My only criticism is that only one of the three books is available in audio form and that was abridged! Any reason publisher?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 01-07-17
great
one of the most beautiful diaries in history. readable again and again. brings the 1980s back to life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Abe Atchia
- 20-06-22
A satirical masterpiece of unqualified importance
Had to be read by the man himself, no other would have done it justice. Wonderfully irreverent, hilarious at times, poignant at others. For those who grew up during the heady Thatcher years, and regardless of your political persuasion, a truly eye-opening, first hand account of what it was like being beholden to the Iron Lady. Crucially, not in the style of the traditional, stoic memoir, but in the off the cuff, yet amazingly well written anecdotes the reader will struggle to believe could be true. The beauty is, they are just that! Abe Atchia, author of the Amazon best-seller, 'Bill Gardner: The Man, The Myth, The Legend'
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Cretien Hughes
- 01-03-15
Riveting
He was a minister in a government that I despised, but bloody hell he was a deft and luminous writer. Highly recommended.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Charles King-Tenison
- 14-03-20
Entertaining but Short
Probably a little bit sporadic as it jumps between months, also would be nice to with hindsight or analysis by Clark
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- James Hargrave
- 16-05-18
enjoyable waspishness
great fun to listen to, though does require some working knowledge of the politics of the time.
Recording is rather hissy though.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- grant g
- 29-01-17
Compelling
Where does The Alan Clark Diaries rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
One of my favourites - I only wish it wasn't the abridged version that I purchased
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Fantastic access to an intriguing mind and unashamedly bold character. Incredibly frank opinions from a seemingly callous, insensitive individual are intertwined with brilliantly touching descriptions that prove all the more poignant due to the juxtaposition.
Any additional comments?
Such a shame we have been deprived of him recording all of his diaries himself!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- roryillingworth
- 22-02-20
Entertaining and insightful
Greatly missed character the words are eloquent and spoken clearly moments of drama pathos and wit
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