Ninety Humanists and the Ethical Transition of Britain: The Open Conspiracy 1930-80

(Hardback)

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This book re-writes the origins of the progressive 1960s. It argues that 94 leading British intellectuals, nearly all humanists, were inspired by H.G. Wells to amend the ethical laws of the nation under a banner of The Open Conspiracy.

Using a wealth of correspondence and other materials covering 1930 to 1980, Callum Brown identifies a new motivation behind ethical change. Whilst established narratives attribute most changes to youth revolt, the sex revolution and feminism, he shows how a humanist-led network realigned much of the British state to the principles of humanitarianism, the autonomy of the individual, and internationalism.

The author examines the networks campaigns and the work of individual intellectuals. High profile members come into focus, including Bertrand Russell, Julian Huxley, and Barbara Wootton. Highlighting the amazing breadth of the group's work, the book reveals 11 main areas of ethical ambition, ranging from abolishing world hunger, hanging, child beating and womens entrapment in abusive marriages, to nuclear disarmament and the promotion of federal world government. The result is a compelling new perspective on modern British history, and the key social and moral reforms of the past century.

Reviews

In this book Callum Brown complements his celebrated 'bottom-up' thesis on the death of Christian Britain with a 'top-down' argument: secular ethics only become implanted in public culture through the workings of an 'open conspiracy' of humanist intellectuals. The arguments runs the gamut not only of familiar issues such as abortion, divorce, homosexuality and capital punishment but extends to the less familiar yet still topical: suicide, euthanasia, social care and nuclear proliferation. * Peter Mandler, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, UK *
A fascinating and meticulously researched historical whodunit that uncovers the impetus behind sweeping ethical changes between 1930-1980 in the UK and beyond. Brown identifies the proponents of those changes and the rich and diverse ethical programmes that formed the basis for social reform on issues such as reproductive rights, medical assistance in dying, the anti-nuclear movement and gay and lesbian rights. Brown has once again crafted a superb historical corrective that sets a new research agenda on the humanist contribution to social justice, ethics and morality. * Lori Beaman, Canada Research Chair in Religious Diversity and Social Change, University of Ottawa, Canada *

Author Bio

Callum Brown is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Glasgow, UK.