Neville Chamberlain: Volume 1, 1869–1929

This volume tells the story of the first sixty years of Chamberlain's life.

David Dilks (Author)

9780521894012, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 4 July 2002

680 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 4 cm, 1.074 kg

This is the first volume of a major two-volume biography of Neville Chamberlain (1869–1940), which matches his ample collection of private papers against the public records, and brings in from other collections of papers letters written to or by Chamberlain. This first volume tells the story of the first sixty years of Chamberlain's life. As well as his role in national politics, it covers his endeavours to prove himself in a different sphere by building up his business concerns in Birmingham, and through service to the city. Chamberlain's family letters and diaries are freely drawn upon. There is much material about Chamberlain's personal relations with his half-brother Austen, Lloyd George, Baldwin and Churchill. Chamberlain is revealed as a figure of wide culture, many international connections, and much reserve in his personal dealings, but with astonishing energy and resourcefulness in administration and boldness in policy.

List of illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Part I: 1. The family
2. highbury
3. Andros
4. High hopes
5. Defeat
6. A fresh start
7. Tariffs
8. 'Wonders never cease'
9. Greater Birmingham
10. Lord Mayor
11. A testing year
12. national politics
Part II: 13. The department of national service
14. Frustrations
15. Resignation
16. Parliament
17. Unionist politics
18. The end of the coalition
19. Office
20. Minister of health
21. The treasury
22. Tariffs revisited
23. Rebuilding
24. Return to office
Part III: 25. The ministry
26. The colleagues
27. Early measures
28. The general strike
29. Birmingham concerns
30. Troubles
31. Halfway house
32. Rates
33. Preparations
34. The local government act
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], British & Irish history [HBJD1]