First published in 1997, Andrew Thorpe's book rapidly established itself as the best single-volume study of the whole of the Labour party's history. This second edition takes the story to 2000 with a new chapter on the development of 'New Labour' and the Blair government. The reasons for the party's formation, its aims and achievements, its failure to achieve office more often, and its remarkable recovery since its problems in the 1980s, as well as key events and leading personalities, are all discussed. Essential reading for all who want to know where the Labour party came from, and where it might be going.
Table of contents:
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
Creation and Early Years, 1900-14
The Surge to Second-Party Status, 1914-22
Progress and Collapse, 1922-31
Remaking the Party? 1931-9
The Impact of the Second World War, 1939-45
The Attlee Governments, 1945-51
Searching for a New Direction, 1951-64
Wilson in Power, 1964-70
Drift to Defeat? 1970-9
Disaster and Recovery? 1979-92
New Labour, 1992-2000
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Seats Won at General Elections, 1900-97
Appendix 2: Labour Party Leaders
Appendix 3: Labour Cabinets
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Table of contents:
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
Creation and Early Years, 1900-14
The Surge to Second-Party Status, 1914-22
Progress and Collapse, 1922-31
Remaking the Party? 1931-9
The Impact of the Second World War, 1939-45
The Attlee Governments, 1945-51
Searching for a New Direction, 1951-64
Wilson in Power, 1964-70
Drift to Defeat? 1970-9
Disaster and Recovery? 1979-92
New Labour, 1992-2000
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Seats Won at General Elections, 1900-97
Appendix 2: Labour Party Leaders
Appendix 3: Labour Cabinets
Notes
Bibliography
Index