Communication Perspective on Margaret Thatcher

A Communication Perspective on Margaret Thatcher: Stateswoman of the Twentieth Century represents broad analysis of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s communicative appeals, rhetorical efforts, and campaign and media strategies—viewed within an historical context—as symbolic acts intended to induce and enact political, social, and economic change in the United Kingdom during the latter quarter of the twentieth century. Janet Fallon focuses on the aggregate of Thatcher’s life experiences including family background, education, years in the House of Commons, and other key biographical and historical influences that informed her world of ideas and her articulation of words, and marked her ascent both to premiership as Britain’s first Madam Prime Minister in 1979 and further to her international status as a stateswoman. Margaret Thatcher’s voice from the mid-1970s into the early 1990s and even beyond was the primary voice communicating a vision of a new reality and a new order for Britain.

In her latest work, Janet Fallon—the 'Iron Lady' of communication studies—contends that Margaret Thatcher achieved greatness in statecraft by communicating a bold vision for reform and advancing that vision with integrity against all obstacles. Professor Fallon demonstrates compellingly how Thatcher—like Winston Churchill before her—mobilized the English language and sent it into battle, transforming Britain and the world through the power of well-articulated principles., Janet Fallon’s text makes Margaret Thatcher's words and history come alive. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in how Margaret Thatcher's communication skills changed British history., Dr. Fallon's book is extremely insightful and comprehensive.  Her book will be a wonderful resource for scholars, instructors and students.

Janet Fallon is professor of communication and media design at Marymount University.