Product Description

Over the past 30 years British politics has undergone something of a revolution: the collapse of close class allegiance to political parties; the relative decline of the British economy; the 18 year period of Conservative hegemony and related Labour impotence; the encroachments of control exercised by European institutions and the consequent discord amongst those who fear such influences; and the extraordinary emergence and enthronement in government of the Blairite New Labour Party. In addition, there have been major changes in the system of government including: a reshaped civil service; a modified parliament; modernizing political parties with changing ideologies; massive new media coverage; and, under Labour, an ambitious programme of reform. This book analyses and interprets the changing mosaic of political life in Britain over recent decades.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1346014 in Books
• Published on: 1998-10-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

informative and enjoyable
Really enjoyed this. I read it because of a developing interest in Politics, which stemmed from a developing interest in political science.

This book seems to start in the concrete and move towards the abstract (or is that the specific to the general?) It doesn't start with a discussion of abstract politic concepts, it ends with them. This "reverse" approach is disadvantageous in some ways. There were some political topics which are discussed in earlier chapters, which are not fully explained until later chapters. However in general I liked this more concrete approach, with its constant references to actual politicians and political decisions. I also found the way they divided up things into pros and cons made for easier reading.

Overall this book pulls together a lot of fascinating information about post-war british politics and political institutions. Also many of the political stories I have read about in newspapers over the last 20 years are put into a wider context by this book.

broad ranging, internally consistent and informative
This is an excellent book. Ambitious with its objectives - that of stimulating students to get more involed and for the enjoyment of the interested reader. The Authors have written in a style which effortlessly hooks the reader with an unusual sophisticated and professional touch whoch in turn places all of it's ideas into the modern context. A definite MUST for anyone who has an interest in politics - no matter who small it may be.