Hugh Gaitskill

by Brian Brivati

This biography of Hugh Gaitskell (1906-1963) explores the man, as well as the politician. It draws on material from Cabinet papers released recently, interviews by the author, memoirs and secondary works published in the last decade. It sets out to provide a fresh perspective on a crucial figure in the history of the Labour Party. Gaitskell became the youngest Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1950-51 since Balfour. His introduction of the NHS charges led to the resignation of Aneurin Bevan and the growing hostility of the Labour left, but his ascendence grew and in December 1955 he was elected leader of the opposition. He tried to modify Labour's stance on nationalization from total nationalization to the 'shareholder state' and refused to accept a narrow conference vote for unilateral disarmament in 1960. He died at an early age, his ideas influencing the Labour Party to this day.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

492 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 1996

About the author

Dr Brian Brivati has published extensive work on contemporary British politics with an emphasis on the political history of the British Labour party. His biography of Hugh Gaitskell (Richard Cohen Books, 1996) received 10 book of the year selections. His research and teaching has recently extended to comparative work on genocide and human rights. He speakers regularly for the Holocaust Education Trust. His articles have appeared in the Guardian, the Times, the Financial Times, the Independent on Sunday, the Observer, the New Statesman, Progress, the Fabian Review and Parliamentary Brief. He is a regular broadcaster on political history. He has also written a biography of Lord Goodman (Richard Cohen Books, 1999) and edited The Uncollected Foot: Essays, Old and New, 1953-2003 (Politico's, 2003), Ernest Bevin, single volume edition, by Alan Bullock (Politico's, 2002), Guiding Light: the collected speeches of John Smith (Politico's, 2001), The Labour Party: a Centenary History (Macmillan, 2000), Aneurin Bevan, 1897-1960, single volume edition, by Michael Foot (Victor Gollancz, 1997), and New Labour in Power: precedents and prospects (Routledge, 1997).

Reviews

[Little Davey Boy...... · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. Some parts difficult to read but overall goog.