Description
Book SynopsisNewly available in paperback, the first comprehensive historical study of egalitarian ideas advocated by the British Left. Offers a compelling new perspective on British political thought, will appeal to scholars and students of British history and political theory and to anyone interested in contemporary political debates on progressive politics.
Trade Review‘In recognising the fluid movement of ideas across ideological ‘boundaries’, and in taking a step away from a narrow emphasis on the great books of great men, Jackson reveals the intellectual rationale behind some deeply held Labour sentiments. It is also the most useful study of Labour’s political thought which I have read for some time and a timely reminder that equality is a traditional and recurrent Labour belief.’
Duncan Tanner, University of Wales Bangor
Reviewing this book has been a genuine pleasure. It is rare to find so valuable and so timely a text as Ben Jackson's Equality and the British Left.
David Coates, Renewal: A Journal of Social Democracy, 16(2), 2008
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Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
Part I - 1900-31: Foundations
1. Riches and poverty
2. From each according to their ability
3. Fair shares
Part II 1931-45: Economics
4. Marxists and social democrats
5. Social justice and economic efficiency
Part III - 1945-64: Revisions
6. Means and ends
7. Let us face the future
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
