Lloyd George: Statesman or Scoundrel (A Life in Politics) - Hardcover

Wilkinson, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780763891 ISBN 13: 9781780763897

Publisher: I.B. Tauris & Co Ltd, 2018

Synopsis

David Lloyd George left a profound political legacy, despite being described by the wife of his successor, Herbert Asquith, as a 'gambler without foresight'. He is, of course, best known as the Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in World War I, but his contribution to domestic politics was similarly impressive. As Chancellor of the Exchequer he introduced pensions and national insurance against sickness and unemployment, while as Prime Minister he extended democracy by giving votes to women. Yet Lloyd George was compromised by his flaws as a human being. Vain, cruel, capricious and dishonest, at times his notoriously corrupt nature threatened to damage the British political system. Providing a unique new perspective on one of the most phenomenally-talented - but also one of the most phenomenally-flawed - of British Prime Ministers, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in modern British politics and history.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard Wilkinson is the author of Louis XIV and a contributor to History Today. He holds a PhD from University of Hull and is a former teacher.

Review:

“Wilkinson's captivating prose throughout is vigorous, direct, and often amusing and thought-provoking. There is not a dull page in the book from cover to cover. At the same time, its purpose is entirely serious...”

(GWales 2018-08-02)

"This short but well informed study addresses the great problem of how to balance the last Liberal prime minister's achievements..."

(Times Higher Education Supplement, June 2018 2018-07-25)

About this edition

• Publisher: I.B. Tauris & Co Ltd
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1780763891
• ISBN 13: 9781780763897
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304