Sidney and Beatrice Webb are the most important British contributors to the socialist tradition. They had a hand in founding many of the institutions that form the fabric of British society; notably the Fabian society, the Labour Party, the London School of Economics, the New Statesman , the Political Quarterly and Tribune. This is the first authorized biography of the Webbs commissioned by the Passfield Trustees; this life of the 'oddest couple since Adam and Eve' differs from previous studies in considering their literary and institution-building accomplishments and not just their personal idiosyncrasies.
'his undoubted masterpiece...a remarkable feat of detailed research and objective judgement.' - The Times
'Harrison's writing is masterly, without being heavy, his comment is always profound and often very witty.' - The Spokesman
'A fine biography of two socialist stars and what passes for a history of socialism...it is worth every penny...his foray into biography is also a resounding success...' - Paul Foot, The Guardian online
'Harrison's The Life and Times is a fine book, a notable addition to the riches of our socialist library. Its powerful message shows how partners can act together and how, indeed, they will be needed to save our stricken world.' - New Statesman
'A terrific book...' - Professor Eric Hobsbawm
'It places in the shade all other scholarship on the Webbs...' - Richard A. Rempel, Russell: The Journal of Bertrand Russell Studies
'Harrison's writing is masterly, without being heavy, his comment is always profound and often very witty.' - The Spokesman
'A fine biography of two socialist stars and what passes for a history of socialism...it is worth every penny...his foray into biography is also a resounding success...' - Paul Foot, The Guardian online
'Harrison's The Life and Times is a fine book, a notable addition to the riches of our socialist library. Its powerful message shows how partners can act together and how, indeed, they will be needed to save our stricken world.' - New Statesman
'A terrific book...' - Professor Eric Hobsbawm
'It places in the shade all other scholarship on the Webbs...' - Richard A. Rempel, Russell: The Journal of Bertrand Russell Studies