Country Before Party: Coalition and the Idea of "National Government" in Modern Britain, 1885-1987 (Studies In Modern History)

by G . R . Searle (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1995

  $22.75

  Because modern British politics is conventionally studied via the political parties, we don't register how many important developments have taken place beyond or across the frontiers of the party system. Coalitions, multi-party groupings and 'National Governments' have frequently held power; and, even when unsuccessful, the drive for them has left permanent marks on the nation. Many key figures (including Joseph Chamberlain, Lloyd George, and Churchill) can only be understood within this context. Geoffrey Searle's invigorating book explores the origins, triumphs, failures and impact of this tradition down to the present -- and reveals the familiar landscape of British political history from a strikingly new angle.