1980 - The Daily Story: 40th Anniversary, birthday (UK-centred edition with world news) (Paperback)

Arguably the most comprehensive look back at 1980 ever contained in one book. Told in 250,000 words, this is an historically significant and immensely nostalgic volume. Perhaps 1980 was a special year for you. Maybe you were born in 1980 or left school, got married or divorced, or had a child. It might be none of these. What is certain, though, Year: 1980, is a truly compelling read. This compendium is packed full of news items, as they happened in 1980. Drawing upon mainly British resources, the book tells the story of the whole year - and sometimes beyond - in a day-by-day account.1980 began with a national steel strike and the Tory government became increasingly unpopular with their monetarist policies; now called austerity. Inflation was running at over 20%, lending rates were in their high teens, and unemployment reached levels not seen since the Second World War. The time was perfect for a Labour Party to take full advantage... but, they were arguing amongst themselves and the party was moving to the extreme left. There was huge debate and dissatisfaction over the country's membership of the EEC. The Labour Party pledged to take Britain out of the Common Market, not to the liking of all its MPs though. The country appeared split over this subject.Unions were in constant battles with management, authorities and the government. Wage claims of up to 50% increases were not unheard of. Work at British Leyland plants was blighted by strikes and walkouts, and with Japanese car imports dominating the home market, BL needed a saviour... it came with the launch of the Mini Metro.Terrorist threats and actions came mostly from bombs, kidnapping and hostage taking. For the whole of 1980, US President Carter was locked in a battle - including an aborted rescue attempt - with Iran for the release of American hostages held in Tehran. Britain, had four hostages of its own held in Iran. The Iranian embassy in London was besieged by hostage-takers - famously brought to a swift conclusion by the SAS.Russia came under severe worldwide criticism for its 'invasion' of Afghanistan. There were genuine concerns of a nuclear war, particularly following the tensions between the US and the Soviet Union. The Soviet bloc was concerned at the emergence of free trade unions in Poland. Diplomatic relations between Britain and Saudi Arabia hit an all-time low following the broadcasting of the TV film Death of a Princess. The East-West Germany relationship chilled. And, Iran and Iraq went to war with each other. But, the sport was good...... well, not completely. Many countries, including the US but not Great Britain & Ireland, boycotted the Olympic Games in Moscow. Britain won five gold medals. Were there any nefarious goings-on by the Russian officials. The England football team hoped to put an end to the '14 years of hurt' but failed miserably. Hooligans let the country down too. The English FA issued a ban to prevent Scottish fans attending the forthcoming England v Scotland match in 1981. And, England's rugby team ended '23 years of hurt' by winning the Five Nations Grand Slam for the first time since 1957.The year would witness the passing away of many great stars and personalities, including: Bon Scott, Dixie Dean, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, President Tito, Peter Sellers, John Bonham, Johnny Owen and John Lennon.It was also a year in which Lady Diana Spencer was first harassed by the media, the Yorkshire Ripper was still at large, there were hunger strikes by Irish Republicans, Unionists and Welsh nationalists; the latter demanding a dedicated Welsh language TV channel. Oh yes, and who did shoot JR?In a tome containing more than a quarter-of-a-million words, it's not surprising that there is so much more in this look back at 1980.