Author Description
New in paperback, this is the compelling biography of Jennie Lee (1904-1988), the beautiful and passionate daughter of a Scottish miner who rose to become a pioneering woman MP. Regarded as one of the finest political biographies of recent years, this book studies a remarkable woman whose stormy political career culminated in her becoming the first Minister for the Arts, and details the moving and intimate story of her marriage to Aneurin Bevan. 'a truly magnificent biography in every sense: a moving portrait of Jennie herself, a most scrupulous painting of the political background, an unchallengable account of Jennie's record as a Minister' Michael Foot 'The best biography that I have read for years. Superbly researched, engrossingly written, scrupulously honest' Gerald Kaufman, Daily Telegraph 'one of the best political biographies of recent years, a small classic of Labour history' New Statesman 'quite excellent' Roy Jenkins 'Lee's lives and loves, passions and drives are beautifully and frankly explored in Patricia Hollis's compelling book... a rounded life of an extraordinary woman that I cannot recommend too highly' THES 'fascinating' Shirley Williams, Times Literary Supplement
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This biography investigates the political trajectory and personal life of Jennie Lee, examining how she navigated the male-dominated landscape of 20th-century British politics to become the first Minister for the Arts. Patricia Hollis, a historian and political figure, utilizes extensive archival research and personal correspondence to construct a comprehensive account of Lee's career. The work argues that Lee's influence was foundational to the development of modern cultural policy in the United Kingdom while simultaneously analyzing the complexities of her high-profile marriage to Aneurin Bevan.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Detailed account of Jennie Lee's early life as the daughter of a Scottish miner
- Analysis of her tenure as a pioneering Member of Parliament
- Examination of her role in establishing the Open University and her work as Minister for the Arts
- Documentation of her relationship with Aneurin Bevan
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on political and public life rather than exhaustive psychological analysis of her private childhood years
- The narrative is centered on British Labour history and may not provide extensive context on international political movements of the era
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Critics and historians frequently cite this work as a definitive and scrupulously researched account of Labour history. Readers often note the academic rigor of the prose, which balances intimate personal detail with a broad understanding of the political climate of the time.
Page Count:
476
Publication Date:
1998-09-01
Publisher:
Oxford Univ Pr
ISBN-10:
0192881051
ISBN-13:
9780192881052
Biography
History
Labour History
British History
Womens Studies
Great Britain