Keith Middlemas (1935–2013)

2784 Baldwin: A Biography, by Keith Middlemas - John Barnes (read 25 Sep 1995) Baldwin was born 3 Aug 1867 in Lower Park, Bewdley, Worcestershire, England, became Prime Minister in May 1923 till Jan 1924, and again in Nov 1924 till May 1929, and again from June 1935 to May 1937, and died 13 Dec 1947 at Astley. This is a massive book (1124 pages) and some parts were heavy going indeed. But the years after 1930 were full of interest, and the two chapters covering 1937 to 1947 were very touching. The authorized biography was by G. M. Young and came out in 1952. The authors of this book are very scornful for the way Young failed to defend Baldwin. This book is in general very defensive of Baldwin, and it makes a good case that his course in those fateful years from 1933 to 1937 was understandable, even though not prophetic. I felt the way he was savaged after 1939 was terrible, especially when one remembers that Labour in those years was calling for disarmament--and Labour was stunningly rewarded by its sweeping victory in 1945. This book was not easy to read, but I am glad I read it. This has been a momentous read, and the era is of course fascinating.… (meer)