Alan Clark, historian and politician, has been a long-time diarist, recording his life socially and politically over many years. This volume covers the period from the death of his father, Lord (Kenneth) Clark, to the moment when he became subject to the Privy Council oath in February of 1991. Thus the diaries cover two full Parliaments serving under Margaret Thatcher until her ousting in a coup (which Clark observed closely from the inside) and then under John Major. Cabinet colleagues, royalty, ambassadors, civil servants and foreign dignitaries all have their conceits illuminated. And a succession of pretty girls cross the stage, and the delights and pain which they cause the author are recorded. Clark notes what he observes, what he hears, what he believes and he admits his own ambitions and foibles. Alan Clark was MP for Plymouth (Sutton) 1974-1992.