NAMES IN THE NEWS : Thatcher Loves Dickens’ ‘Tale’

In Margaret Thatcher’s favorite book, the working class rises up to take bloody revenge against the rich.

That’s just one of the insights gathered by librarian Margaret Berketa in a survey of the rich and famous’s reading habits as part of a major project to mark the International Year of Literacy.

More than 150 celebrities have replied to her letters requesting details of their favorite books, and the responses are still flowing in.

Among them are letters from members of the British royal family who because of protocol politely declined to nominate one book.

But Thatcher, in the midst of a record-breaking term as Britain’s prime minister, praises “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, which has one of the most famous opening lines in literature:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Dickens’ story is set during the French Revolution, and the hero is beheaded by the guillotine in the tragic finale.

Thatcher says it was her favorite book as a child.

Singer Cliff Richard, known as the Peter Pan of pop, likes the passion of “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte.

Actor Larry Drake of “L.A. Law” likes “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller.

Heavy-metal guitarist Angus Young of the group AC/DC chose “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole and “Schultz” by J. P. Donleavy.

The most popular books in the survey were “Wind in the Willows,” the adventures of Toad, Rat and Mole; and Tom Wolfe’s acidic look at New York’s social classes, “Bonfire of the Vanities.”