The Cabinet Office 1916-2016: The Birth of Modern Government

(Hardback)

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The first history and definitive history of the Cabinet Office, one of Britain's most important political institutions.The story of the Cabinet Office, created in the depths of the Great War in December 1916, goes to the very heart of the British state over the last 100 years. It has been at the centre of everything - war, intelligence, spy scandals, disputed elections, political crises, changes of Prime Minister. The eleven Cabinet Secretaries have been Britain's true 'men of secrets', guiding and shaping their political masters, the Prime Ministers, and keeping the British state stable and safe. Written with unparalleled access to documents and personnel, this lavishly illustrated history will give readers the definitive inside account of what has really gone over the last 100 years.

Reviews

"The Cabinet Office is one of the great mysteries of British politics. Few in the Westminster bubble know quite what it gets up to. If anyone can make sense of this hidden corner of British government it is Anthony Seldon, the most insightful and determined chronicler of the politics of our times." Adam Boulton; "Anthony Seldon is always a wonderful combination of authoritative and revelatory. This book will be essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the workings of Whitehall and the machinations of power." Rachel Sylvester; "Very enjoyable and readable. A most worthwhile addition to our history of government." Lord Robin Butler; "The Cabinet Secretary is the key to the effective working of our Cabinet system. Only eleven men have held this crucial post since 1916. They have now found their history in this fine study by Anthony Seldon, which is indispensable for all serious students of British government." Vernon Bogdanor; "This is a dangerous book. It takes us into the engine room of British government and shows us how it really works. Many of its inhabitants would prefer to keep its secrets. The only people who will benefit from Anthony Seldon's disclosure are the voting public." Peter Kellner

Author Bio

Anthony Seldon has written and edited more than forty books on British politics, including Brown at 10, Cameron at 10, Blair Unbound, Major and Trust. He was Headmaster of Brighton and Wellington Colleges, and co-founder with Peter Hennessy of the Institute of Contemporary British History. He is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham; Anthony Seldon has written and edited more than forty books on British politics, including Brown at 10, Cameron at 10, Blair Unbound, Major and Trust. He was Headmaster of Brighton and Wellington Colleges, and co-founder with Peter Hennessy of the Institute of Contemporary British History. He is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.