Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #124486 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Synopsis
Clement Attlee is seen in popular myth as a small, unassuming and modest man (Churchill once said that he had 'plenty to be modest about'). In fact, he was a subtle and skilful political operator - swift, decisive, ruthless and cunning. Inspired by the squalor of the living conditions, he had seen in the East End of London, he determined to put an end to poverty - with the result that his government revolutionised British society. The welfare state and the National Health Service were created, and money was found to build new schools and expand higher education - even at a time just after the Second World War when Britain was virtually bankrupt. This book concentrates on his political career, but also gives ample coverage to his childhood and his family life.

Customer Reviews

Clem Attlee by Francis Beckett
Having lived through the Attlee years, my opinion of him as an inspiring
leader was not flattering. However after reading Beckett's biography my opinion has changed. I now recognise Attlee to have been a man of quiet determination and skill. Becket can be well pleased with this work.

Excellent biography
Few politicians were as frequently underestimated as Clement Attlee. This biography goes a long way to shed light on why Attlee, an apparently dull unnasuming man, turned out to be one of the 20th century's great political leaders.

After a priveliged middle class upbringing. His harrowing experiences of working with the poor of the East End of London as a young man, gave him a burning desire to eliminate the social ills of poverty and sqalour which he saw around him.

Attlee's dull conventional exterior, hid a skilled, competent and determined politician of genuine conviction. If only we had a few more politicians like him today.

This is an excellent biography of this great man. Much recommended.

excellent purchase
Clem Attlee


Reading this book completely changed my view of Clem Atlee and the government of the time. I think he was a very forward thinking politician who put the country first. Made me realise just how self serving most of the present day politicians are. They should read about Clem Attlee.