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As it Happened
"An honourable and gallant gentleman, and a faithful colleague who served his country well at the time of her greatest need." Winston Churchill.
Clement Attlee is to this day remembered as "a sheep in sheep's clothing", after Churchill's now infamous comment.
But As It Happened tells a different and more complex story of a decent, great man who was often misunderstood.
This autobiography takes the reader on a journey through Attlee's life - and through one of the most epochal and uncertain periods in British history.
Attlee documents growing up to see the death of Victorian England, and the end of an era marked by the First World War. He recalls his war service and dedication to his beloved country. He reveals his unique perspective of Britain in the interwar years and how the country began to yearn for change.
As Deputy Prime Minister during Churchill's coalition As It Happened gives us a valuable insight into the war effort and Churchill's leadership.
We are also gifted an insight into Attlee's virtues and achievements as a leader too, how he took the Labour Party to election victory in 1945. The book covers Indian independence, the foundation of the NHS and Attlee's life after his momentous years in office.
Along the way Attlee passes opinion on such figures as Lloyd George, Roosevelt and Edward VII.
As It Happened reveals Clement Attlee as a man of courage and conviction, devoted to his duty and his family.
This is an important book for anyone interested in WW2, the evolution of British politics and this remarkable period of history.
Clement Attlee was born in 1883 and served as British Prime Minister 1945 - 1951. He is also the author of The Social Worker and Purpose and Policy, also published by Sharpe Books.
Clement Attlee is to this day remembered as "a sheep in sheep's clothing", after Churchill's now infamous comment.
But As It Happened tells a different and more complex story of a decent, great man who was often misunderstood.
This autobiography takes the reader on a journey through Attlee's life - and through one of the most epochal and uncertain periods in British history.
Attlee documents growing up to see the death of Victorian England, and the end of an era marked by the First World War. He recalls his war service and dedication to his beloved country. He reveals his unique perspective of Britain in the interwar years and how the country began to yearn for change.
As Deputy Prime Minister during Churchill's coalition As It Happened gives us a valuable insight into the war effort and Churchill's leadership.
We are also gifted an insight into Attlee's virtues and achievements as a leader too, how he took the Labour Party to election victory in 1945. The book covers Indian independence, the foundation of the NHS and Attlee's life after his momentous years in office.
Along the way Attlee passes opinion on such figures as Lloyd George, Roosevelt and Edward VII.
As It Happened reveals Clement Attlee as a man of courage and conviction, devoted to his duty and his family.
This is an important book for anyone interested in WW2, the evolution of British politics and this remarkable period of history.
Clement Attlee was born in 1883 and served as British Prime Minister 1945 - 1951. He is also the author of The Social Worker and Purpose and Policy, also published by Sharpe Books.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
40 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Clement Attlee
57 books9 followersEnglish politician Clement Richard Attlee as prime minister from 1945 to 1951 formed the Labour government that established the national health service, expanded public ownership of industry, and granted independence to India in 1947 and to Burma in 1948.
Clement Richard Attlee, first earl Attlee, knight of Garter, order of merit, companion of honor, privy councilor, and fellow of royal society as an English statesman led party and the United Kingdom.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement...
Clement Richard Attlee, first earl Attlee, knight of Garter, order of merit, companion of honor, privy councilor, and fellow of royal society as an English statesman led party and the United Kingdom.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 12, 2021
A thorough and well written account of a fascinating and highly esteemed career. This most notably includes his role as Prime Minister, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Privy Seal during the Second World War.
I found Attlee's entrance into socialism through volunteering in East London, after an up-bringing of great privilege to be highly interesting, as well as his work in the War Cabinet where he successfully collaborated with members of the Liberal and Conservative party most notably Churchill. It is hard to imagine such a cross-party cabinet existing today during a time of crisis or war, however, the book presents this arrangement to have been a great success and it is endearing to hear Attlee's and Churchill's positive words about each other (as well as Bevin) despite being political rivals.
However, the book itself does not provide huge details of Attlee's Nationalisation projects (including the establishment of the NHS) during his time as Prime Minister, which would of been of huge interest, especially as these are for which he is today best known.
In summary, this is a fascinating book written by a modest yet fascinating man.
I found Attlee's entrance into socialism through volunteering in East London, after an up-bringing of great privilege to be highly interesting, as well as his work in the War Cabinet where he successfully collaborated with members of the Liberal and Conservative party most notably Churchill. It is hard to imagine such a cross-party cabinet existing today during a time of crisis or war, however, the book presents this arrangement to have been a great success and it is endearing to hear Attlee's and Churchill's positive words about each other (as well as Bevin) despite being political rivals.
However, the book itself does not provide huge details of Attlee's Nationalisation projects (including the establishment of the NHS) during his time as Prime Minister, which would of been of huge interest, especially as these are for which he is today best known.
In summary, this is a fascinating book written by a modest yet fascinating man.
February 27, 2020
It is a remarkable opportunity to find a man who has occupied every great office of state and yet is humble and honest. Clement Attlee was such a man. This autobiography was, to me, a perfect addition to his biography that I read last year which opened my eyes on this Prime Minister. How this improves on John Bew’s writings is through the personal touch that this medium gives.
Perhaps the most wondrous part of this book was its simplicity of style: there never was a moment where Mr Attlee tried to bamboozle the reader by over-complicating what he was saying. Yet, throughout all this, the language that he uses is complex, the thoughts are nuanced, and a clever mind is racing through history.
Mr Attlee ticks the box for elegance. He talks about very serious matters in ways that make sense. Yet, the reader is not belittled. Some anecdotes are included in nearly every chapter, most of these expanding the story with a humorous take. It is also beautiful to read the numerous tributes to his co-workers which are included in this book. It is clear that the author didn’t bear grudges and saw the potential in everyone.
Mr Attlee’s rule remains one of the more illustrious times in modern British history, and it was spectacular to read the man’s own words on what happened and why. Perhaps the only narrative I found strange was that of Newfoundland, having read the former dominion’s story as written by a local — nevertheless, some good points were made about this such as local poverty and lack of infrastructure. More compelling were the narratives on India and other parts of the Empire.
While a long time has passed since Attlee was PM, I think this book still deserves a read. For me, this was a great window into the soul of the leader though it also offers clarity on what he set out to achieve.
This review was originally posted on my blog.
Perhaps the most wondrous part of this book was its simplicity of style: there never was a moment where Mr Attlee tried to bamboozle the reader by over-complicating what he was saying. Yet, throughout all this, the language that he uses is complex, the thoughts are nuanced, and a clever mind is racing through history.
Mr Attlee ticks the box for elegance. He talks about very serious matters in ways that make sense. Yet, the reader is not belittled. Some anecdotes are included in nearly every chapter, most of these expanding the story with a humorous take. It is also beautiful to read the numerous tributes to his co-workers which are included in this book. It is clear that the author didn’t bear grudges and saw the potential in everyone.
Mr Attlee’s rule remains one of the more illustrious times in modern British history, and it was spectacular to read the man’s own words on what happened and why. Perhaps the only narrative I found strange was that of Newfoundland, having read the former dominion’s story as written by a local — nevertheless, some good points were made about this such as local poverty and lack of infrastructure. More compelling were the narratives on India and other parts of the Empire.
While a long time has passed since Attlee was PM, I think this book still deserves a read. For me, this was a great window into the soul of the leader though it also offers clarity on what he set out to achieve.
This review was originally posted on my blog.
April 1, 2021
By way of a disclaimer I will say that I listened to the audiobook of John Bew's excellent 'Citizen Clem' before reading this autobiography, I think perhaps 'As it Happened' is best enjoyed in tandem with Citizen Clem. This is not to say As it Happened is not an enjoyable read, but Citizen Clem proves excellent context and fleshes out the story masterfully.
Firstly Attlee's (or C.R. Attlee as he styles himself here) prose style is rather dry for the most part. His writing is direct and to the point, with lots of short sentences. Like the man himself the biography is reserved and unpretentious, and Attlee does not play up his own role in the pivotal events which led up to labour forming a wartime government with Churchill and the subsequent election of 1945.
This is where Citizen Clem comes in, Bew emphasises more of the drama of Attlee's story and includes some well chosen anecdotes which do not feature here. Attlee for the most part sticks to describing influential events with few anecdotes, presenting developments in his career in a matter of fact and unemotional light.
The pace of the autobiography is fairly brisk, it runs to around 230 pages and Attlee does not dwell on any particular time period. The majority of the book (and my favourite part) documents the steady rise of Attlee through the British labour movement until he becomes leader of the Labour party almost by default. I found this journey very compelling, and Attlee's earnest devotion to public service shines throughout.
The chapters on the 1945-1951 Labour governments are somewhat brief, so perhaps readers looking for deep insights into the period will be disappointed. That said Attlee is clearly proud of the achievements of his Labour administrations and he speaks highly and at times tenderly of Labour colleagues such as Ernest Bevin and Stafford Cripps.
My comments so far may suggest the book is underwhelming, but in my view Attlee is the real deal, and the book is a testament to his stoic persona and dutiful career. The style may at first seem abrupt and distant, but after the first few chapters I found myself compulsively reading on. The momentum of the book builds as Attlee reaches ever greater heights, but he is modest about his achievements and always gives credit to his colleagues where this is due.
The prose is punctuated with moments of occasional dry wit and touching pathos, but Attlee does not over egg the pudding by presenting a self serving version of his story. To me his habitual understatement is extremely endearing when compared to his bombastic predecessor as PM.
One for political buffs perhaps, I would recommend Citizen Clem as an accompaniment to this charming but arguably slightly undercooked memoir.
Firstly Attlee's (or C.R. Attlee as he styles himself here) prose style is rather dry for the most part. His writing is direct and to the point, with lots of short sentences. Like the man himself the biography is reserved and unpretentious, and Attlee does not play up his own role in the pivotal events which led up to labour forming a wartime government with Churchill and the subsequent election of 1945.
This is where Citizen Clem comes in, Bew emphasises more of the drama of Attlee's story and includes some well chosen anecdotes which do not feature here. Attlee for the most part sticks to describing influential events with few anecdotes, presenting developments in his career in a matter of fact and unemotional light.
The pace of the autobiography is fairly brisk, it runs to around 230 pages and Attlee does not dwell on any particular time period. The majority of the book (and my favourite part) documents the steady rise of Attlee through the British labour movement until he becomes leader of the Labour party almost by default. I found this journey very compelling, and Attlee's earnest devotion to public service shines throughout.
The chapters on the 1945-1951 Labour governments are somewhat brief, so perhaps readers looking for deep insights into the period will be disappointed. That said Attlee is clearly proud of the achievements of his Labour administrations and he speaks highly and at times tenderly of Labour colleagues such as Ernest Bevin and Stafford Cripps.
My comments so far may suggest the book is underwhelming, but in my view Attlee is the real deal, and the book is a testament to his stoic persona and dutiful career. The style may at first seem abrupt and distant, but after the first few chapters I found myself compulsively reading on. The momentum of the book builds as Attlee reaches ever greater heights, but he is modest about his achievements and always gives credit to his colleagues where this is due.
The prose is punctuated with moments of occasional dry wit and touching pathos, but Attlee does not over egg the pudding by presenting a self serving version of his story. To me his habitual understatement is extremely endearing when compared to his bombastic predecessor as PM.
One for political buffs perhaps, I would recommend Citizen Clem as an accompaniment to this charming but arguably slightly undercooked memoir.
November 15, 2020
An autobiographical account of Attlee's life experiences including both world wars, his time as leader of the Labour Party and as Prime Minister. It doesn't go into a lot of detail (the founding of the NHS is only really mentioned in passing) but it's a quite interesting overview and mentions his impression of other known figures of the time.
December 12, 2022
Lovely. A remarkable life told in a friendly, relaxed manner. One of my favourite autobiographies.
It seems however that he wasn't comfortable writing about himself. Although he'd written various kinds of things and was involved in many interesting events, it's remarkably short. He even includes long extracts of his speeches, as if he's trying to reach a word count.
It seems however that he wasn't comfortable writing about himself. Although he'd written various kinds of things and was involved in many interesting events, it's remarkably short. He even includes long extracts of his speeches, as if he's trying to reach a word count.
May 22, 2020
A biography in Attlee's laconic style simply and I feel honestly told. There is very little criticism and an old fashioned formality no real scandal. It still is well written and an interesting and easy read.
October 22, 2020
Remarkable, interesting and inspiring. Amazing insight in those years between and during the war years.
November 15, 2022
Interesting.
History from a source often forgotten about. Indeed this is a why I was moved to reading it. Good read if not riveting.
History from a source often forgotten about. Indeed this is a why I was moved to reading it. Good read if not riveting.
January 5, 2020
Se lee con mucha facilidad y aunque no entra nunca en mucho detalle sobre las consecuencias de la II Guerra Mundial todo lo que cuenta el Sr Attle tiene interés porque lo hace con mucha humildad en casi todas las ocasiones.
Siempre me había impresionado que ganase las elecciones a Churchill al acabar la Guerra Mundial cuando éste último había sido el héroe de los británicos. Pero he comprendido que durante la Guerra hubo un gobierno de coalición en le que el Sr Attle tuvo mucho protagonismo.
Me ha parecido que el Sr Attle fue un buen tipo y que no necesitaba comer un "humble pie" todos lo días.
Siempre me había impresionado que ganase las elecciones a Churchill al acabar la Guerra Mundial cuando éste último había sido el héroe de los británicos. Pero he comprendido que durante la Guerra hubo un gobierno de coalición en le que el Sr Attle tuvo mucho protagonismo.
Me ha parecido que el Sr Attle fue un buen tipo y que no necesitaba comer un "humble pie" todos lo días.
January 19, 2020
Clement Attlee is regarded by historians, the British public - and even by Margaret Thatcher - as one of Britain's greatest prime ministers, thanks to his capability and unflinching devotion to the UK and its people. This book affords great insight into the man, the historical context, the workings of government, and the underlying Britishness that allowed parties built on opposing visions of the country's future to unite and triumph during its darkest hour.
Appreciation of - and alignment with - Attlee's politics and worldview is probably required to really enjoy this book. The prose is sometimes sluggish and the anecdotes occasionally dull, but insight into the evolution of the Labour movement, Attlee's role, and the domestic and international politics (and wars) that framed it is fascinating.
Attlee paints a picture of Britain ("the greatest country in the world") that invites real pride. From the start he recounts the understanding of people that allowed him to function as a leader ("one learns much more of how people in poor circumstances live through ordinary conversation with them than from studying volumes of statistics"). He articulates the need for Labour's existence ("[the Conservative Party] represents today, as in the past, the forces of property and privilege"), and it is easy to see why it flourished and thrived under his premiership.
This quote best sums up his beliefs: "a juster distribution of wealth was not a policy designed to soak the rich or to take revenge, but because society with gross inequalities of wealth and opportunities is fundamentally unhealthy."
Appreciation of - and alignment with - Attlee's politics and worldview is probably required to really enjoy this book. The prose is sometimes sluggish and the anecdotes occasionally dull, but insight into the evolution of the Labour movement, Attlee's role, and the domestic and international politics (and wars) that framed it is fascinating.
Attlee paints a picture of Britain ("the greatest country in the world") that invites real pride. From the start he recounts the understanding of people that allowed him to function as a leader ("one learns much more of how people in poor circumstances live through ordinary conversation with them than from studying volumes of statistics"). He articulates the need for Labour's existence ("[the Conservative Party] represents today, as in the past, the forces of property and privilege"), and it is easy to see why it flourished and thrived under his premiership.
This quote best sums up his beliefs: "a juster distribution of wealth was not a policy designed to soak the rich or to take revenge, but because society with gross inequalities of wealth and opportunities is fundamentally unhealthy."
May 5, 2021
Churchill never said about him "a modest man with much to be modest about " and Attlee had a great admiration for Churchill's qualities as a war leader and even said that the Allies could have won at Gallipoli if there had been cooperation between the army and navy. He did well to keep Bevin, Bevan, Shinwell and Morrison in line. His opinions on DeGaulle (brave soldier and inept politician) and the EEC and communism (opposed and distrustful of both) are interesting . I hope that the labour party never find a man with his qualities in my lifetime because although I am fairly right-wing I think that he was a very good honest and decent man.
A good book to read - his speeches were a bit long-winded but well worth a read - his writing style is prosaic but easy to read
A good book to read - his speeches were a bit long-winded but well worth a read - his writing style is prosaic but easy to read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews