Attlee

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.