The Five Giants

by Nick Timmins
The Five Giants cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 1399
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Sam Freedman's Substack · Sam Freedman · 2025-10-05
comprehensive 4.00

The book is noted for its focus on policy rather than just politics, offering a unique perspective on the welfare state's history.

Sam Freedman's review on Substack emphasizes the book's unique focus on policy rather than just politics. They appreciate how Timmins delves into the intricacies of the welfare state's development, providing a fresh perspective. The reviewer finds the book particularly valuable for its detailed analysis and comprehensive coverage. They believe it offers a deeper understanding of the welfare state's impact and its ongoing relevance.

Quick quotes

    Most of the books on the list focus on politics rather than policy. It's hard to write longer form about policy, but Nick Timmins does a great job.

    The Five Giants by Nick Timmins. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the welfare state's history and its enduring impact.

    Nicholas Timmins has done something extraordinary: he has made a complex subject accessible and engaging.

LSE Review of Books · 2018-02-17
insightful 4.50

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the welfare state's history and its enduring significance. It highlights the impact of Beveridge's 1942 report and its relevance today.

The LSE Review of Books offers a detailed look into Nicholas Timmins' exploration of the welfare state's origins and evolution. They appreciate the book's thorough analysis of Beveridge's 1942 report and its lasting influence on modern policy. The reviewer finds the book insightful, particularly in its examination of the welfare state's successes and challenges. They believe it offers valuable perspectives on contemporary social policies and their historical context.

Quick quotes

    Ahead of the event, Nicholas Timmins gave insight into the reception and impact of Beveridge's 1942 report, as well as its enduring significance.

    Timmins' book recaptures brilliantly the high hopes of the period in which the Welfare State began to be created.

    The book brilliantly captures the high hopes of the period in which the Welfare State was created and the cranky zeal of its inventor, William Beveridge.

Waterstones · 2017-11-02
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging narrative and comprehensive coverage of the welfare state's development. It captures the enthusiasm and challenges of its creation.

Waterstones highlights how Nicholas Timmins' book skillfully narrates the story of the welfare state's establishment and evolution. They appreciate the book's ability to convey the high hopes and complexities of the era. The reviewer finds the book both informative and engaging, offering a nuanced look at the welfare state's history. They believe it is a must-read for anyone interested in British social policy.

Quick quotes

    This book brilliantly captures the high hopes of the period in which the Welfare State was created.

    Timmins' book recaptures brilliantly the high hopes of the period in which the Welfare State began to be created, and conveys the cranky zeal of its inventor, William Beveridge.

    An accessible and entertaining narrative history of the establishment, development and unravelling of the British Welfare State.

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