Synopses & Reviews
His numerous writings and his ten-year leadership of the Liberal party established him as one of the most influential figures in its history. Peter Barberis has produced a unique critical biography of this enigmatic figure based upon a careful examination of speeches, writings and archive material.
Synopsis
Jo Grimond, leader of the Liberal Party from 1956 - 1967, was a key player in British politics for over four decades. On his death in 1993, Paddy Ashdown paid tribute to Grimond as a lion of the liberal cause. His numerous writings and his ten-year leadership of the Liberal party established him as one of the most influential figures in its history. Peter Barberis has produced a unique critical biography of this enigmatic figure based upon a careful examination of speeches, writings and archive material. He explores Grimond's ideas, politics and family environment to shed light on his life and the apparent contradictions in his thought. The book offers the reader valuable insights into the changing character of British politics and society from the Second World War to the age of Thatcherism.
About the Author
Peter Barberis is Professor of Politics at Manchester Metropolitan University where he teaches British politics and contemporary political history. He is author of
The Elite of the Elite: Permanent Secretaries in the British Civil Service,
Government, Industry and Political Economy and
Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century British and Irish Political Organisations. Table of Contents
Introduction and acknowledgements * PART ONE: LAMPLIGHT * First light * Into Parliament * Man for the islands * Whip hand * PART TWO: LIMELIGHT * Leader * Internationalist * Orpington man * High noon * A'whoring * PART THREE: TWILIGHT * Dilettante revolutionary * Second wind * Father of the alliance * Autumn in the soul * Liberal * Bibliography * Index