Governing Britain Since 1945

'A useful and provocative account of the governance of the United Kingdom since 1945 - how little of it was intentional, and how much of it was accidental, and how we live to this day with the consequence.' - Martin Bell OBE. The power and influence that politicians exercise over our lives makes an understanding of the political system essential for all of us. British politics dominates our TV and radio news programming and is generally the main thrust of our daily papers. The purpose of this book is to acquaint the reader with the British system of governance and the principal political, social and economic policies implemented by respective governments since World War Two. "Governing Britain since 1945" covers in detail Prime Ministers, their governments and policies, and the histories and philosophies of the major political parties. It also provides an exposition of: the system of national governance, and of local and regional government; economic, macroeconomic and social issues; social security, pensions and the National Health Service; education policies, the housing market and housing policies; transport, industrial policies and industrial relations; environmental and overseas development policies; and foreign and defence policies and Britain's attitude towards European unification. "Governing Britain since 1945" offers a highly digestible, apolitical account which is authoritative and easily accessible. It will appeal to members of the public who want more background and wish to have an understanding of these important matters; and also to university (or aspiring university) students, who will value a reference book which is highly readable, succinct and invaluable. 'Anyone interested in contemporary Britain will enjoy this lively and irreverent introduction to our recent history. It tells its story of political change by placing it deftly in its economic and international setting. Government is revealed as a fascinating process that extends far beyond Westminster.' - Professor William Brown, Master of Darwin College, University of Cambridge. '"Governing Britain since 1945" offers a uniquely succinct and accessible account of post-war British political history. It reads like a novel, moves at a cracking pace, yet it factually lays out the whole story so that the various vicissitudes can be put into context. It is the easily digestible nature of this book which sets it apart.' - Dr. Kanak Patel, Fellow of Magdalene College, University of Cambridge.

About the Author :
Nigel Knight is a lecturer in UK Government and Politics at Magdalene College, Cambridge.