The Strange Death of Liberal England

by George Dangerfield
The Strange Death of Liberal England cover
Good Books rating 4.07
History
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  • ID: 2543
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781351473255
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published: 2017-09-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Strange Death of Liberal England delves into the chaos and social upheaval that engulfed England on the eve of the First World War. George Dangerfield masterfully weaves together the Irish Rebellion, the Suffragette Movement, and the Labour Movement to paint a vivid picture of the country's state of mind and the most pressing social problems of the time. The book argues that between the death of Edward VII and the outbreak of the war, there was a significant hiatus in English history, with 1910 marking a pivotal year. By the end of 1913, the old Liberal England had been reduced to ashes, paving the way for a new era. Dangerfield's analysis is not only a historical account but also a timely reflection on the resurrection of Liberal power in modern Britain. With the 2010 General Election bringing a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition to power, the book's insights remain relevant, offering a deeper understanding of the political and social transformations that have shaped the nation.

Reviews
Amazon · 2013-01-01
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its exquisitely subtle style and humorous touch. It brings to mind the work of Max Beerbohm.

The reviewer finds the book's style to be exquisitely subtle and humorous, comparing it to the work of Max Beerbohm. They appreciate the engaging narrative and the depth of analysis. The book is seen as a pleasure to read, with a light and humorous touch that enhances the historical account. The reviewer highly recommends it for its unique perspective and engaging style.

Quick quotes

    The pleasure of reading Dangerfield's exquisitely subtle book brings to mind the super-light humorous touch of Max Beerbohm ('Seven men and two Others').

    The book is a pleasure to read with its engaging narrative and depth of analysis.

    The unique perspective and engaging style make this book a highly recommended read.

JSTOR · M Brock · 1985-01-01
informative 3.50

The book provides a detailed account of the threats to the political structure posed by the Ulster Covenanters. It is a readable and informative work.

M Brock highlights the book's detailed and readable account of the political threats faced by England during the period 1910-1914. They appreciate the depth of analysis and the engaging narrative style. The reviewer notes that the book's interpretations have been largely rejected by modern scholars, but it remains influential in the field. The work is seen as a significant contribution to historical scholarship despite its outdated interpretations.

Quick quotes

    In The Strange Death of Liberal England we have a detailed and most readable account of the threats to the political structure posed by the Ulster Covenanters.

    The book has been extraordinarily influential.

    In recent decades most scholars have rejected the main interpretations of events presented in the book.

Goodreads · 1935-01-01
insightful 4.20

This book is a classic account of the dramatic political changes in England from 1910 to 1914. It provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative of the period.

This book offers a detailed and engaging narrative of the political upheaval in England between 1910 and 1914. The reviewer appreciates the comprehensive analysis and the way the author brings the period to life. However, they note that the book's influence has waned over time as newer interpretations have emerged. The book remains a significant work for understanding the political landscape of the time.

Quick quotes

    This is a classic account, first published in 1935, of the dramatic upheaval and political change that overwhelmed England in the period 1910-1914.

    Few books of this period have had such a lasting impact on historical scholarship.

    The book's influence has waned over time as newer interpretations have emerged.

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