Democratic socialism and economic policy : the Attlee years, 1945-1951 /

Tomlinson (British politics, Brunel Univ.), author of several books and articles on the British economy in the 20th century, analyzes the domestic and international economic policies of the Atlee government in light of the Labour Party's economic doctrines. His book is the third in a new Cambridge University Press series edited by a team of five prominent economic historians. The introductory chapter provides historical background on both the economic situation faced by the incoming Labour government in 1945 and the preceding half century of debate within the Labour Party over economic policy. Subsequent chapters are wide ranging and address the Labour Party and the international economy; industrial modernization; nationalization; controls and planning; the financial system; employment policy and the labor market; women workers; macroeconomic policy; the welfare state; and equality versus efficiency issues. The concluding chapter focuses on political obstacles to economic reform. Some background in economics and 20th-century British history would be helpful but is not essential. Appropriate for all libraries. R. Grossman; Wesleyan University