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Citizen Clem

A Biography of Attlee

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Citizen Clem

By: John Bew
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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About this listen

Winner of the Orwell Prize for Political Writing.

Winner of the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography.

Book of the year: The Times, The Sunday Times, New Statesman, The Spectator, Evening Standard.

Clement Attlee was the Labour prime minister who presided over Britain's radical postwar government, delivering the end of the empire in India, the foundation of the NHS and Britain's place in NATO. Called 'a sheep in sheep's clothing', his reputation has long been that of an unassuming character in the shadow of Churchill. But as John Bew's revelatory biography shows, Attlee was not only a hero of his age but an emblem of it, and his life tells the story of how Britain changed over the 20th century. Here, Bew pierces Attlee's reticence to examine the intellect and beliefs of Britain's greatest - and least appreciated - peacetime prime minister.

©2016 John Bew (P)2017 Quercus Editions Limited 20th Century Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State Winston Churchill Imperialism Interwar Period Socialism Liberalism Biography Thought-Provoking War Soviet Union Suspenseful Self-Determination United Kingdom Royalty Russia Taxation Middle Ages Africa Franklin D Roosevelt Latin American Capitalism

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Critic reviews

"Outstanding.... We still live in the society that was shaped by Clement Attlee." (Robert Harris, The Sunday Times)
"The best book in the field of British politics." (Philip Collins, The Times)
"Easily the best single-volume, cradle-to-grave life of Clement Attlee yet written." (Andrew Roberts)
All stars
Most relevant
I found this a most interesting and informative book combining an excellent biography of an important politician of the 20th century with the political and social history he helped shape.

It is obvious from this biography that Clement Attlee's achievements in life have and continue to be underestimated. I had little idea how courageous he was both on the battle fields of WW1 and in fighting for a better life for those struggling with poverty and ill-health. He was a pioneer in promoting socialism long before it had any real power and I now learn that without his steady leadership it might have remained in the wilderness for much longer than it did as he moderated extremism.

I was amazed to learn that he had switched from being a Tory in his youth to being a radical socialist. I now realize how important is was the he was also a pragmatist who could work well with Churchill during the war. One is reminded that it was his post-war government setup the NHS and improved social welfare: things that were resisted at the time by some but are now valued and supported by all political parties.

It's surprising that he remained leader of his party for 20 years despite repeated plots to oust him and endured much criticism of his leadership style: but with hindsight his unconfrontational style was his strength that enabled him to moderate the different wings of his party who could have split the party. It's salutary to be reminded that politics doesn't change as in the present day bitter conflicts rage between the left and right wings within both of the main parties in the UK, while meanwhile the country heads for disaster.

The narrator is very good

First class biography illuminating recent history

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very informative with some revelations that surprised me. narrator was good at best with an annoying effort at mimicking churchill and American accents.

informative

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I would regard this as essential reading for anybody on the left, in the centre or even on the right. Attlee and his government set the stage for modern Britain, knowing about that man and his life and reasons are important. far more so than knowing about the life and times of the victorian anachronism that is Winston Churchill.

Essential

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This was well written, informative, intelligent, well read illuminating of the early days of a man of integrity and well worth the time.

an excellent piece of work I really enjoyed this

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To expect me to write a review of this book in 15 words is ridiculous.

Interesting and informative

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