Synopses & Reviews
This book is both an examination of one of the dominant figures of twentieth-century British politics, and a contribution to the understanding of political leadership and Conservative ideology. It reinterprets the career of Stanley Baldwin, Conservative leader 1923-37 and three times prime minister, in terms of his construction of a "public character," his exploitation of the new mass media, and his exposition of a distinctive Conservative doctrine and language. Baldwin's remarkable ascendancy is shown to have been based on his manipulation of widely-held "national values."
Review
"...Williamson's Stanley Baldwin contains many insights and fascinating revelations." The Guardian"...Williamson's is the best book on Baldwin yet to appear, as well as by far the most favourable." TLS"...this is a valuable book that must be compulsory reading for any student of inter-war Britain. Baldwin the man - the complicated, complex man - emerges from its pages, full stop." The International History Review"Williamson effectively shows that Baldwin was neither a gentrified industrialist nor a backwoods Conservative. His sympathies were broad, and his efforts to promote citizenship and self-improvement were impressive. This account is superbly researched, insightful, and elegantly written..." The Journal of Modern History
Synopsis
A reinterpretation of the career of Stanley Baldwin (1867-1947), Conservative leader and three times prime minister.
Table of Contents
Introduction: the historical problem; 1. Public career; 2. Political leadership; 3. Influences: business and ethics; 4. Influences: community and service; 5. Purposes and methods; 6. Capitalism and industrial relations; 7. Democracy and public values; 8. Country and empire; 9. Soul and providence; 10. Armaments and anti-totalitarianism; Conclusion.