The End Of An Era: Diaries 1980-1990: xii

by TonyBenn (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.36

  Tony Benn's final instalment of diaries centres on a decade which saw the disintegration of Eastern Europe, an unprecedented assault on the labour movement at home, the fall of Margaret Thatcher and the tragic war in the Gulf. It is a period which marks the peak of Tony Benn's reputation as a brilliant parliamentarian. This final volume of diaries gives us insight into an era of extraordinary international and domestic political life making it one of the most important political writings of our time.

• Used

  Paperback
  1991

  $4.47

  In this, the fourth volume of Tony Benn's diaries, the Labour Government continues its fight for survival. Important developments are occurring both at home and internationally. In Britain, Benn as Secretary of State for Energy is directly involved with Windscale and decisions about nuclear power and oil policy. Abroad, the Government is concerned with Carter's reappraisal of American foreign policy, the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and problems of EEC membership.In the Labour party itself, new forces of radicalism and reform are emerging, resulting in changes in Labour's policies and the ultimate formation of the SDP.Labour's unsuccessful economic policy and the widening rift with the labour movement lead to the Winter of Discontent and a near state of emergency. With Labour voters defecting, the scene is set for the Thatcher years.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1992

  $3.36

  In this final volume of Tony Benn's unrivalled series of diaries, the fall of Margaret Thatcher and the tragic was in the Gulf bring to an end a decade which see the disintegration of Eastern Europe and an unprecedented assault on the labour movement at home. Beginning at the high tide of the Conservative victory over Callaghan's Government and charting the course f the authoritarian Thatcher style through the Falkland's War-which re-establishes her waning popularity- The End Of An Era also records the miners' strike, the spycatcher debacle and the Zircon debate. It is a period which marks the peak of Tony Benn's reputation as a brilliant parliamentarian. As a member of Labour's National Executive, Benn is excellently placed to record the transformation of the Labour Party from its socialist and trade union tradition to an essentially social democratic party which endorses an efficient but more humane administration of capitalism. The expulsion of Militant by Neil Kinnock, Benn's leadership challenge, and the founding conference of the Socialist Movement are different responses to the painful political metamorphosis of the party. The reader has a ringside seat for ten years of an extraordinary era of International and domestic political life.