Synopses & Reviews
As British Conservative party leader and thrice prime minister during the 1920s and 1930s, Stanley Baldwin played a leading role in such celebrated episodes as the General Strike and the Abdication, and presided over a period of unusual Conservative dominance. Supplemented by an extensive commentary, this selection of his letters and reported conversations will be indispensable for understanding early twentieth-century British politics and public life. It will attract wide interest as an intimate portrait of an intriguing statesman.
Review
Review of the hardback: 'Tom Jones, one of Baldwin's closest confidants, once told Vincent Massey that Baldwin had 'goodwill' but was hobbled by 'indecision and mental indolence'. These papers do not entirely acquit Baldwin of such charges but they show a man of generosity, decency and total integrity.' The Spectator
Review
Review of the hardback: '... magnificent volume ... this collection of letters, memos, notes and extracts from others do give a rounded picture of a thoroughly decent man - perhaps the most quintessentially English prime minister of the last century or more.' The House Magazine
Review
Review of the hardback: '... a fascinating collection of papers - put together with scholarship and presented in a most attractive format ...' The House Magazine
Review
Review of the hardback: '... an invaluable tool ... an interesting read ... gives a valuable insight into the Conservative perspective of events during the 1920s and 30s.' Open History
Review
Review of the hardback: 'This enjoyable selection well shows why Baldwin, as Churchill admitted in 1935, enjoyed 'a fund of personal goodwill and public confidence'. Cambridge University Press has done a great service to the memory of a much maligned figure'. Contemporary Reviews
Synopsis
An edited selection of three times prime minister Stanley Baldwin's letters and reported conversations.
Table of Contents
Preface; Introduction; 1. Businessman-MP and junior minister 1908-March 1921; 2. The Coalition Cabinet, April 1921-October 1922; 3. Chancellor and prime minister, October 1922-September 1923; 4. Protection and its aftermath, October 1923-January 1924; 5. Leader of the opposition, January-October 1924; 6. Baldwin's second government, November 1924-June 1929; 7. The second opposition period, June 1929-August 1931; 8. The National government, August 1931-June 1935; 9. Prime minister again, June 1935-November 1936; 10. The abdication crisis; 11. Into retirement, December 1936-May 1937; 12. Elder statesman, June 1937-April 1940; 13. Last years, May 1940-December 1947; Appendices: A. Family trees; B. The People interview, 18 May 1924; C. Palmstierna's memoir; D. The prime minister's staff and daily routine; E. Baldwin collections.