This study places Thatcherism within the context of Conservative Party history and the recent development of British politics. It explores the forces which account for Thatcher's emergence as Tory leader in 1975, and her resulting domination until 1990.

Taking as his endpoint the mid-term of the 1997 Blair government, the crippling of the Parliamentary Conservative Party and the prevalence of the new "ism" - Blairism - Evans's review of the dominating political phenomenon of the final quarter of the 20th century should appeal to students of history and politics.

The emergence of Thatcher
preparing for government
Thatcher's first term
the lost opportunity? Thatcherism in power 1983-7
Thatcher's final term - 1987-90
the transition to Major
Black Wednesday to Black Thursday
the debate about Thatcherism
the impact of Thatcherism - conservatism and New Labour.