The Labour Party in Wales 1900-2000

(Paperback)

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This study takes advantage of the diversity of Wales to examine Labour's approach and impact in a range of socio-economic settings: in the coalfields, in dock towns and in rural areas. Many parts of Wales experienced one-party rule, and the book considers the implications of the domination of a society - its local social policy, intellectual debate and the prevailing general outlook - by labour. It analyses Labour's conception of Wales and reflects on the methods used to construct a nations identity which was compatible with the party's internationalism, its values and its class outlook. The study considers not merely the impact of Labour in Wales, but the face it presented to the world, its self-image as well as its reality.

Reviews

'carefully researched... criticises where necessary and praises appropriately. Importantly, it draws attention to the recent changes in conditions that moulded Labour during the first seven decades of the 20th Century.'(Tribune) 'a valuable addition to the literature...a useful addition to the relatively small literature on party politics in Wales' (Political Studies)

Author Bio

Deian Hopkin was Vice-Provost of London Guildhall University and from September will be Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of South Bank University in London. Duncan Tanner is Professor of History at the University Wales, Bangor. Chris Williams is Professor at the Centre for Modern and Contemporary Wales at the University of Glamorgan