Attlee is undoubtedly one of the key figures in modern British history. An important figure in Churchill's War Cabinet, and premier of the first majority Labour Government, he created the Welfare State, nationalised a substantial part of industry and secured the independence of India. Yet his political stature remains unresolved. Was he Churchill's "modest man with much to be modest about" who squandered the fruits of victory, or, as many now claim, one of the truly great prime ministers? Robert Pearce's lucid and drily amusing study goes behind the stern exterior to find ambition and indecision, and a uniquely moral vision.

Pearce, Robert

Introduction. Images of Attlee. 1. The Child and the Man. 2. Attlee's Apprenticeship, 1905-31. 3. The Rise to Leadership 1931-35. 4. Attlee and Appeasement. 5. Attlee's War. 6. Elections and the Premiership. 7. Attlee's Governments 1945-51 Domestic Affairs. 8. Attlee's Governments 1945-51 Foreign Affairs. 9. Anti-climax: Opposition and After 1951-67. Conclusion: Attlee in Perspective. Chronology. Further Reading. Index.