Description
Book SynopsisNew study of the Radical politician Josiah Wedgwood, setting him in context and illuminating many of the political issues of the time.In his day, "Josh" Wedgwood was one of Britain's best-known and most outspoken Radical politicians. He served in three wars, and, in a Parliamentary career lasting from 1906 to 1943, first with the Liberals, and then with Labour,he fought to uphold personal liberty and to limit the power of the state. Instead of the collectivism of socialists or social imperialists, Wedgwood advocated a Radical vision of Victorian Individualism as the solution to the problems of social inequality at home and growing threats abroad that Britain faced in the first half of the twentieth century. His support of individual freedom, a redistribution of landowner's wealth, and a voluntary and democraticBritish Empire received only limited support in his own lifetime, but he fought for them with vigour and passion throughout his career. This study of his life throws new light upon some of the defining ideological and policyissues of the most turbulent period of modern British history. PAUL MULVEY teaches at the London School of Economics.
Trade ReviewThis excellent book [...] can be recommended warmly to anyone interested in the politics of the period. * JOURNAL OF LIBERAL HISTORY *
An especially rich and nuanced account of one of the lesser figures of early 20th century politics, but one sometimes described as 'the last of the radicals'. [...] It offers a clear, sharp, and, at times, a very original, analysis of politics during these years, and of the role of Wedgwood within them. [...] Wedgwood has at last been well-served by a biography from a politically-attuned historian writing with sensitivity, and a strong sense of period. * REVIEWS IN HISTORY *
A useful study of the transition from Radical Liberal to Labour in the period after the First World War. * CHARTIST *
Table of ContentsPreface Life to 1906 The Land Campaign The Road to Freedom A Radical Vision Liberalism and Patriotism President Wilson and the British Left The Re-shaping of British politics The Labour Party and Foreign Policy The Indo-British Commonwealth Life in the Labour Party The First Labour Government Labouring On The History of Parliament The Shadows Lengthen, 1933-1943 The Life Hereafter Conclusion Bibliography
