Originally published in 1978, this book covers all aspects of the development of local authorities; the changing types of people who worked in them - solicitors, trade unionists, politicians and reformers; the growing influence of political parties in local affairs; the widening concept of the purpose of local government and the attendant financial problems; the partnership and conflict with central government; the rise of the associations of local authorities and their influence over the many proposals to change the structure of local government in the late 20th Century.

Bryan Keith-Lucas (1912-1996) was an English political scientist.

Peter G. Richards was Professor of Politics at the University of Southampton.