The National Party was formed in 1936 and in 2016 it turned 80. Its first 50 years were described in Barry Gustafson's The First 50 Years: A History of the New Zealand National Party, and a precis of this period begins Colin James's main text From Turbulence to Stability 50 to 80. An independent political journalist, Colin James examines the Party's aim to be a truly national party and how it balanced liberal/conservative and ideological/pragmatic elements in the Party through the turbulent years from 1986 to achieve stability under John Key's leadership. From Ruthenasia and the mother of all budgets to the pragmatic approach of the last decade, National at 80, covers the main story of the Party over the last 30 years; its values, policies and leadership wrangles. The story includes the first MMP coalition government, and working with new minority parties, as well as National's programme of Treaty settlements. Added to the stories of the political wing of the Party, this insightful text looks at the Partys organisation and membership, and its drive for professionalism over a number of campaigns and elections. There are biographies of all MPs since 1986, as well as major office holders, at the back of the book. The text is accompanied by over 300 photos and images, many featuring campaign pamphlets, slogans and leaflets providing an interesting snapshot into the country's key concerns since the 1980s.