| English History 1914-1945 A.J.P. Taylor (Oxford: OUP, 1985 (first published 1965)), 713 pages This history of England covers the most pivotal time frame of the twentieth century for the United Kingdom. However, in the preface Taylor makes it abundantly clear that his book will not deal in any substantial detail with the other component nationalities of the British Isles, the Scots, Welsh, and Irish, unless “they made a stir in English politics or aroused English interests in other ways.” In other words, just as the title suggests, his tome should be read as an incomplete account of British history at the time. Given the amount of material covered in the work, this seems to be the correct decision. For a history of the other nations, the reader must turn elsewhere. In such a substantial volume one personality stands out above all others. Lloyd George, the charismatic firebrand of a Prime Minister, who led the country during the second half of World War I, does not escape Taylor’s gaze unscathed. Taylor calls Lloyd George “the most inspired and creative British statesman of the twentieth century.” Despite this brilliant accolade, especially in the light of a personality as great as that of Churchill, Taylor refuses to pull punches regarding Lloyd George’s flaws. The uncompromising, dictatorial Welshman portrayed by Taylor leaps from the pages as a leader of great moral courage but, after consulting the footnote, is quickly reduced to a man who lacked physical bravery and refused to stay in London during air raids. Moreover, he would repay the loyalty of his colleagues with disloyalty and, as a result, “he had no friends and did not deserve any.” A political success, Lloyd George’s personal life and traits emanate from the work tarred with an uncompromising brush. At every turn, Taylor’s book serves as a social commentary as well as a recounting of the brutal ten years of war during this exceptional period. Numerous sections recount topics such as the hostilities between industry and labor, the struggle of women to obtain the vote, moves to improve the housing situation in the country for everyone, and the sole innovation in welfare directly attributable to World War I: the free treatment of venereal disease. Overall, however, the blunt portrayals of personalities bring this book to life and give it an everlasting quality that makes Taylor an enjoyable read in any age. |
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