Alec Douglas-Home was an aristocrat who disclaimed his peerage to become Prime Minister in 1963.

Formed out of a breakaway from the mainstream Liberal party in 1931, the Liberal National party (renamed the 'National Liberal Party' in 1948) preserved a separate identity for almost 40 years. During this time they helped ensure that the Liberals themselves would not return to their former status of a governing party while helping to broaden the electoral appeal of their Conservative allies, contributing significantly to the Tory domination of the British political scene in the middle of ...

A total institution is defined by Goffman as a place of residence and work where a large number of like-situated, individuals, cut off from the wider society for an appreciable period of time, together lead an enclosed, formally administered round of life. Prisons serve as a clear example, providing we appreciate that what is prison-like about prisons is found in institutions whose members have broken no laws. This volume deals with total institutions in general and, mental hospitals, in p...

Once teetering on the brink of oblivion, the British Liberal Party has again re-established itself as a major force in national and local politics. David Dutton's approachable study offers new insights into the waning, near death and ultimate recovery of the Liberal Party from 1900 to the present day. Discussions of politics, philosophy and performance are all skilfully interwoven as Dutton demonstrates how the party has become, once more, a formidable player on the political stage.

First published in 1987. A biographical look into the character and career of Austen Chamberlain. ‘Chamberlain’, thought Lord Beaverbrook, ‘will be a fascinating subject for a biography.’ These pages attempt to justify Beaverbrook’s words.

The ultimate guide to every Prime Minister there's ever been: 55 profiles by 55 different politicians, journalists and academics compiled by leading political commentator Iain DaleWinner of the 2020 Parliamentary Awards for Best Political Book by a Non-ParliamentarianA Times Political Book of the Year 2020*Featuring a foreword by Boris Johnson*-----It has almost been 300 years since Sir Robert Walpole arguably became the fir...

One of the most groundbreaking sociology texts of the mid-20th century, Howard S. Becker’s Outsiders is a thorough exploration of social deviance and how it can be addressed in an understanding and helpful manner.A compulsively readable and thoroughly researched exploration of social deviance and the application of what is known as "labeling theory" to the studies of deviance. With particular research into drug culture, Outsiders analyzes unconven...

Peter Clarke brilliantly challenges the commonly held view of Britain in the twentieth century as a nation in decline. Adopting a wide perspective, he examines the political. social and economic changes that transformed Britain. He looks at how jobs and prices, food and shelter, and education and welfare, shaped society and explores such areas as architecture, sport and popular culture. Embracing a century of national experience, Hope and Glory superbly conveys the diverse aspects of three...

From the author of The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Stigma is analyzes a person’s feelings about himself and his relationship to people whom society calls “normal.”Stigma is an illuminating excursion into the situation of persons who are unable to conform to standards that society calls normal. Disqualified from full social acceptance, they are stigmatized individuals. Physically deformed people, ex-mental patients, drug addicts...

Reissued with a new foreword to mark the centenary of Harold Wilson’s birth, Ben Pimlott's classic biography combines scholarship and observation to illuminate the life and career of one of Britain's most controversial post-war statesmen.Harold Wilson is one of the most enigmatic personalities of recent British history. He held office as Prime Minister for longer than any other Labour leader, and longer than any other premier in peacetime apart from Mrs Thatcher. His success at win...

For thirty-five years and through thirteen editions, Jim Henslin's Down to Earth Sociology has opened new windows onto the social realities that shape our world. Now in its fourteenth edition, the most popular anthology in sociology includes new articles on our changing world while also retaining its classic must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-six selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: under...

Understand Irish History is a comprehensive guide to a fascinating history. You will explore Irish reformation and restoration, culture, religion and society as well as more recent conflicts and their impact. Taking you from ancient Ireland to the present day, it will give you an understanding of the background to events that have dominated the headlines in recent years.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUT...