How Long to Read Downing Street Diary Volume Two

How Long Does it Take to Read Downing Street Diary Volume Two?

It takes the average reader 9 hours and 56 minutes to read Downing Street Diary Volume Two by Bernard Donoughue

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

The first volume of Bernard Donoughue's Downing Street Diary was described by Charles Moore in the Daily Telegraph as 'the best account of Harold Wlson's last days'; 'the sheer scale and detail are fascinating' wrote Peter Riddell in the Times Literary Supplement. This second volume covers the three years, 1976-79, when Donoughue was Senior Policy Advisor to James Callaghan. At first Callaghan quickly established dominance over his cabinet and restored calm after the plots and scandals of the later Wilson years. His incomes policy reduced inflation and, in the teeth of opposition from the left wing, he negotiated the notorious IMF loan at the expense of eliminating some of Labour's most cherished dreams. By 1978, Callaghan, a politician of great patriotism and decency, seemed to have succeeded in steering Britain into calmer waters. But then the storm broke. Trade union militants brushed aside their mediocre leaders and launched a ferocious attack on Callaghan's pay policy, driving up inflation and demonstrating the government's impotence. In the diaries we see the prime minister and the government paralysed as the 'Winter of Discontent' began to bite and politics took to the streets. As Labour drifted to inevitable defeat in the 1979 election we see Callaghan fighting honourably. From the smoke of battle there emerges a striking new leader: Margaret Thatcher. The diaries describe vividly both the decline and final collapse of 'old' Labour and how Mrs Thatcher took the opportunity to launch her crusade to dismantle trade union power and much of the British public sector. Besides James Callaghan the chief figures in this volume of Lord Donoughue's diaries are Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey, Tony Crosland, Michael Foot, Shirley Williams, David Owen and Tony Benn.

How long is Downing Street Diary Volume Two?

Downing Street Diary Volume Two by Bernard Donoughue is 578 pages long, and a total of 149,124 words.

This makes it 195% the length of the average book. It also has 182% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Downing Street Diary Volume Two Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 13 hours and 34 minutes to read Downing Street Diary Volume Two aloud.

What Reading Level is Downing Street Diary Volume Two?

Downing Street Diary Volume Two is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Downing Street Diary Volume Two?

Downing Street Diary Volume Two by Bernard Donoughue is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Downing Street Diary Volume Two by Bernard Donoughue on Amazon click the button below.