Liberal lion : Jo Grimond : a political life / Peter Barberis.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Barberis, Peter, 1948-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Grimond, Jo.

Politicians--Great Britain--Biography.

Politicians.

Great Britain.

Great Britain--Politics and government--1945-1964.

Politics and government.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

vi, 266 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : I.B. Tauris ; New York : Palgrave Macmillan [U.S. distributor], 2005.

Summary:

A man of vision, Grimond was the party's most fertile 'ideas man' since Lloyd George. He was published widely and as well as being a compelling platform speaker he became a master of the new television medium. He led the way on policies such as Britain's role in Europe and on devolution and his efforts inspired the Liberal/SDP alliance from which the Liberal Democrat party was born. But in later years some of his critics saw him as proclaiming common cause with New Right conservatism.

Peter Barberis has produced a unique critical biography of this enigmatic figure based on 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.

Contents:

Part I Lamplight

1 First Light 3

2 Into Parliament 17

3 Man for the Islands 33

4 Whip Hand 49

Part II Limelight

5 Leader 67

6 Internationalist 81

7 Orpington Man 97

8 High Noon 111

9 A'Whoring 127

Part III Twilight

10 Dilettante Revolutionary 143

11 Second Wind 159

12 Father of the Alliance 173

13 Autumn in the Soul 187

14 Liberal Lion 203.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [247]-255) and index.

ISBN:

1850436274

OCLC:

56642198

Publisher Number:

9781850436270