Lloyd George: Statesman or Scoundrel

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David Lloyd George left a profound political legacy, despite being described by the wife of his successor, Herbert Asquith, as a 'gambler without foresight'. He is, of course, best known as the Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in World War I, but his contribution to domestic politics was similarly impressive. As Chancellor of the Exchequer he introduced pensions and national insurance against sickness and unemployment, while as Prime Minister he extended democracy by giving votes to women. Yet Lloyd George was compromised by his flaws as a human being. Vain, cruel, capricious and dishonest, at times his notoriously corrupt nature threatened to damage the British political system. Providing a unique new perspective on one of the most phenomenally-talented - but also one of the most phenomenally-flawed - of British Prime Ministers, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in modern British politics and history.

Reviews

It is indeed a relief to read these speeches again and to be excited by their content, in comparison with the flat TV sofa experiences we endure today. * Journal of Liberal History *

Author Bio

Richard Wilkinson is the author of Louis XIV and a contributor to History Today. He holds a PhD from University of Hull and is a former teacher.