Michael Young is one of the key figures in British twentieth century history. Focusing on family, community and social change, he has cascaded ideas, in the process coining new words, like 'meritocracy'. He has also initiated or played a major role in creating new and well-known organisations. These include the Consumers' Association, the Open University, and the National and International Extension Colleges. In 1945 he drafted the Labour Party's successful election manifesto Let Us Face the Future : in 1965 he was the first Chairman of the new Social Science Research Council.

ASA BRIGGS is President of the Social History Society, of the Victorian Society and of the Ephemera Society. He is a Fellow of both the British and American Academies and was Chancellor of the Open University from 1978-1994.

List of Plates Foreword In Lieu of an Autobiography Michael when Young Party Politics Two Places: One Purpose Merit and/or Solidarity Education for Change Necessary Research A World Agenda Mutual Aid Unfinished Business Appendices Index