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Liberal Lion

Jo Grimond, A Political Life

Peter Barberis author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:30th Jan '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Liberal Lion cover

Jo Grimond, leader of the Liberal Party from 1956 - 1967, was a key player in British politics for over four decades. On his death in 1993, Paddy Ashdown paid tribute to Grimond as a "lion of the liberal cause". His numerous writings and his ten-year leadership of the Liberal party established him as one of the most influential figures in its history. Peter Barberis has produced a unique critical biography of this enigmatic figure based upon a careful examination of speeches, writings and archive material. He explores Grimond's ideas, politics and family environment to shed light on his life and the apparent contradictions in his thought. The book offers the reader valuable insights into the changing character of British politics and society from the Second World War to the age of Thatcherism.

New Statesman, review by David Steel (leader of the Liberal Party between 1976-1988): "thoroughly researched political assessment." "Barberis reveals much about his earlier life of which I was ignorant." "Barberis clarifies for a younger generation just how visionary Grimond was." "What Barberis captures well is Grimond's extraordinary life"; London Review of Books, 5th May 2005. Review by Peter Clarke; "A well researched account of Grimond's career, presenting a sympathetic view of him while not flinching from asking some awkward questions, though generally on matters that would be regarded as tactical rather than strategic. It doesn't openly proclaim a big-L-Liberal allegiance but its small-l-liberal perspective is manifest throughout."

ISBN: 9781850436270

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

272 pages