The British General Election of 1987 - Detailed Election Study

In this review of The British General Election of 1987, the bottom line is clear: this book is essential for readers seeking a thorough, scholarly account of how Margaret Thatcher secured a third term and how the party system and campaigns adapted. The authors, David Butler and Dennis Kavanagh, present a calm, evidence-driven narrative that situates the Conservative victory in recent history and social change while explaining campaign techniques and strategic choices. This review highlights why the book is most valuable to students, historians and politically engaged readers wanting a focused post-election analysis rather than a breezy popular history.

Key Features

• Detailed historical context: The book traces the roots of the Conservative victory in recent history and social changes, helping readers understand long-term forces behind the result.
• Campaign analysis: It documents a new level of campaigning professionalism, offering insight into tactics and presentation that shaped outcomes.
• Party system examination: The authors explore how the Conservative, Labour and Alliance strategies interacted, clarifying shifts in electoral competition.
• Focus on leadership moments: The book assesses key events, including how Mrs Thatcher recovered after the Westland controversy, to explain leadership impact on voters.
• Series continuity: As the thirteenth volume in a series covering every postwar election, it benefits from consistent methodology and comparative perspective.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at students of British politics, historians of the late 20th century and political researchers who want a focused, evidence-based account of the 1987 election and its causes. The measured, analytical tone and series context make it especially useful for academic reading lists and anyone researching campaign tactics or party adaptation.

Readers seeking a lightweight, anecdotal or highly partisan account should look elsewhere; this volume prioritizes analysis and explanation over sensational storytelling. It is not a pictorial coffee-table book or a memoir, and those audiences may find its scholarly approach too restrained.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive contextual analysis that situates the 1987 result within recent social change.
• Close examination of campaign professionalism that will interest students of political communication.
• Balanced treatment of Conservative, Labour and Alliance strategies, useful for comparative study.

Cons

• The academic tone may feel dense to casual readers seeking a lively narrative.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The British General Election of 1987 is a disciplined, well-sourced study that rewards readers who want analytical depth on campaign strategy and party adaptation. It is good value for students and researchers because it combines narrative explanation with comparative series methodology, though casual readers seeking light reading may prefer a different style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover the Westland affair?
Yes. The authors discuss how Mrs Thatcher and her party navigated the Westland controversy and how it affected the campaign.

Is this volume part of a series?
Yes. It is the thirteenth in a series that has covered every British general election since the Second World War.

Who would benefit most from this book?
Students, historians and political researchers will gain the most from its detailed, evidence-based analysis.