| Synopsis: |
The author himself provides the best description. 'In this book I examine about thirty key personalities in the history of the British Labour movement between 1900 and 1987. I also try to explore what kind of typology of leadership emerges. This is, inevitably, a highly personal selection, in part reflecting my own interests, outlook and background...I hope, nevertheless, that the main kinds of Labour leaders, parliamentary politicians, trade unionists, machine apparatchiks, intellectuals, journalists, prophets and others are truly represented'. Kenneth O. Morgan succeeds magnificently in his aim whether he is writing about Keir Hardie, The Webbs, Ellen Wilkinson, Herbert Morrison or Denis Healey: these portraits and all the others are illuminated with a sympathetic scholarship. 'Morgan can bring to the study of the Labour Party a knowledge that is second to none' - Ben Pimlott, New Society. 'It combines surveying the abundant recently published material on twentieth century British labour history with the integrating perspective of a sympathetic and very knowledgeable historian' - Brian Harrison, "London Review of Books". 'matchless authority ...both attractive and unique' - J. M.Winter, "History". '"These Labour People" are full of fascinating contradictions' - John Mortimer, "Sunday Times". 'polished, yet sharp, moving easily through complexities yet often with a provocative comment' - David Howell, "Welsh History Review". |