Parties Books

Hugh Gaitskell is largely a forgotten presence in the Labour Party of today but as Brian Brivati (intentionally or otherwise) manages to convey to the reader, this neglect may have something to do with the fact that this former British Labour Party leader had a style and a substance that has rarely been seen since. Although clearly not as sympathetic towards his subject as Gaitskell's earlier biographer, Philip Williams, he still leaves us with an impression of a man who was much misunderstood and maligned by many at the time in his own party.

Hugh Gaitskell was a passionate orator who for much of his life, struggled with the twin impulses to on the one side conceal that passion in favour of reason and sense, and on the other, to realize that that same passion could be useful as a political weapon to disarm his opponents not just in his own party but also beyond in the Conservative and Liberal parties of his day. For much of his short political life, Brivati contends that when the former wasn't predominating, the latter could appear to disastrous party political consequences. The dispute over 'specs and false teeth' around the time of Gaitskell's one and only budget points to the stubbornness of a futile passion for the Atlanticist policies of the post war Attlee Government over what could have been a more reasonable accommodation with Nye Bevan as the Minister for Health and powerful ex-officio leader of the Left. Gaitskell then went on to foolishly support the expulsion of Nye Bevan for his controversial attempts to foist a left wing direction on the opposition when Labour left office in 1951. Brivati shows us that the always deeply complex and fascinating Gaitskell was at his most ineffective when his drive for what was `reasonable' could become a `passion' not justifiable by the facts that at other times he could be equally passionate to elicit both from himself and others.

However, another more effective and controlled passion dominates his years as leader of the Labour Party afte! r 1955. See in particular, Brivati's account of the 1956 Suez crisis, the defense debates/ of 1960-61 and the famous Common Market speech of 1962. These controversies contain some of Gaitskell's finest and most brilliant speeches, and with the proper access to the video and sound recordings, this would be self-evident to anyone who listened.

Brian Brivati has written a biography from the perspective of someone who likes distance from his subject - he wasn't born until two years after Gaitskell died. The ultimate achievement of this biography is that it is finely balanced between the 'hero' of Philip Williams'' richly documented 1978 biography, and the villain of Michael Foot's biography of his 'hero' Nye Bevan. Unlike Brivati, both Williams and Foot had the fortune or misfortune to have known Gaitskell personally. Where these two had been inspired to write dramatically diverse but equally passionate accounts, Brivati 's sense of balance leads him to weave a careful line in and around the two sides to Gaitskell's reputation - both then and subsequently. He therefore succeeds in dropping by at both camps. Unfortunately. this approach is likely to be infuriating to the supporters of both left and right for its seeming willingness to play the part of appreciative guest at both houses and to then show that what was offered was far from being the poisoned chalice that each side would like to claim of the other. As an admirer of Gaitskell to the point where I once lobbied hard to meet his first major biographer, Philip Williams, I have to admit to sharing in that infuriation whilst also rejoicing that by the end, the side Brivati chooses to leave us with, veers more conclusively towards the 'hero'. In the final analysis, it is his interpretation of the depressing years for the Labour Party subsequent to Gaitskell's death in 1963 which become their own justification for why it is still hard for some people to move beyond their fascination with Gaitskell's style, democratic socialist beliefs and rare ! sense of integrity. Brian Brivati is no less caught and trapped than Philip Williams and Michael Foot once were.....

Hugh Gaitskell was leader of the British Labour Party from 1955 till his tragic premature death in 1963. That period, in which Labour was continuously in opposition, was marked by internal strife between Right and Left within Labour's ranks, on such issues as nuclear disarmament, with Gaitskell representing the pro-Nato, Atlanticist wing of British social democracy.
Brivati's book is a model biography: balanced, historically-informed, and original. It portrays Gaitskell as a politician of immovable convictions about the proper end-state of a good society, and fewer fixed ideas about the means to achieve them. Most important, it relates Gaitskell's ideas to the changes in western society that have taken place since his death, and tries to assess his historical significance. And it compares him with his obvious successor, Tony Blair, who succeeded where Gaitskell failed in getting Labour to jettison its historic commitment to public ownership. Brivati sympathetically portrays Gaitskell's revisionism, which was 30 years ahead of its time; his irrevocable commitment to the values of western liberal democracy, an instinct that led to his courageous and historically vindicated stand opposing unilateral nuclear disarmament; and his insights into the political implications of what was then known as the Common Market. But Brivati also makes a telling point that Gaitskell's belief in equality and indicative planning has been rendered largely irrelevant by modern economic developments. There are still aspects of Gaitskell's political judgement that are timeless strengths and that stand out from this book. Brivati comments, "Gaitskell's revisionism offered a process of asking of each institution and relationship in our society: What is it for? Who [sic] does it benefit? Should it be changed?" That process of interrogation is an essential one for a healthy democracy, even if Gaitskell's criteria for answering those questions have been superseded by events. Moreover, Gaitskell, so far from his image of a dry technocrat, was a man of passion combined with a critical intellect. Though the collectivist ideology that informed his egalitarian principles has now (as Brivati again rightly comments) slipped into history, the wish for a more tolerant and gentle society has not. To that extent, Brivati's book is an inspiring as well as a scholarly and informative read.

My daughter stumbled across a stuffed Humphrey elephant, and it quickly became her most prized possesion. Humphrey is popular is Great Britain, but harder to find here. We were thrilled to find out that there's a series of books too. The illustrations in the books are just precious. The colors are soft, and the details are darling. Humphrey's Birthday is very sweet. The author puts you back into the mind and innocence of being little and having a special day. My daughter has enjoyed this book for more than a year, and she still wants to read it all the time. This book makes a GREAT birthday present/keepsake book. If you like this one, check out the whole series!

I absolutely love this book, and so does my 2-year-old! I got it for her just before her 2nd birthday to introduce the concept to her, and she is completely captivated by it. Like all the Humphrey books, it's so beautiful to look at, the characters and their little dilemmas are easy to identify with, and the story is just warm and lovely. Classic Humphrey and Lottie fun!

This is a great book that provides a in-depth analysis on Chinese political thought and Chinese ideal personality as well. I highly recommend to those who are interested in Chinese culture, history, and philosophy.

As China emerges as a world political and economical power the necessity to understand her sociopolitical and cultural development is obvious.

Xuezhi Guo of Guilford College offers in "The Ideal Chinese Political Leader" an analytical and thought provoking exploration of the Chinese political Culture through historical and contemporary perspectives on Legalism, Daoism (Taoism) and Confucianism, as well as the relevant historical characters, from Confucius to Mao, that shaped these disciplines. The function of Confucianism, as political thought, is shown through the works of early ideologue scholars as well as the adaptation of orthodox political philosophy by contemporary leaders to form China's modern political ideology. Moreover, Guo draws a linear connection between the events of early Confucianism and the ultimate development of Chinese communism through a retrospective analysis of its ideological origins.

I highly recommend this book for anyone investigating the development of the Chinese political and philosophical culture.

Probably the best book available on its subject. Recommended for students of comparative politics and anyone with leftist political values.

The book offers a stimulating and enlightening analysis on contemporary social democracy and the social democratic party politics in Europe. To note only few of the book's strengths, reference should be made to: the extensive comparative material incorporated, the informative historical account included, the multiplicity of parameters explored and their in depth examination (for example, the study of the electorate in comparative perspective, the examination of the relations between social democratic parties and trade unions, the analysis of the social democratic party political platforms). Apart from suggesting a new perspective for the analysis of social democracy, through what is identified as a process of "great transformation", the book provides an excellent basis for the study of the developments evolved in the politics of the social democratic tradition in the European party systems, suitable for both the student and the expert.
Last but not least, the merits of the book include, an enhanced relevance for the political scientist and the researcher of party politics in Europe. The current juncture in European politics and the new challenges that social democracy is facing in Europe (ex. the case of France) have reinforced the significance of the author's arguments on the fragility and vulnerability of social democracy's electorate force and on the loosening of its ties with its traditional social base.
An excellent book, well written, easily read, substantive on its subject matter, which is worth purchasing.

The Indonesian Politics and Society Reader is the best collection of English translations of some of Indonesia's most formative documents, speeches, and essays written during and after the Soeharto years. It includes speeches and essays from Soeharto as well as from the opposition movement. The selection is well chosen and accessible. If you want to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the New Order, this book is essential.

This book provides excellent translations of key primary source materials relating to the New Order period. The book is divided thematically and has a good balance of political opinion. The translations are given excellent short introductions.
The book is newer than the 2001 date given by Amazon. It came out in 03, I think. And the cover is different.

While reading and giggling my way through this book, the thought that this was great movie material kept hitting the lone brain cell.Sure, it would be a chick flick. Think of a better version of Bridget Jones' Diary...poker's version of BJD.
Isabel's poker table gets invaded by a mysterious american, at the same time her business gets new competition in the guise of a ruthless businessman called Stryker McCabe.And to add to it all, David ,Isabel's business partner is just not interested in fulfilling her grand infatuation.As well as Isabel and Stryker, there are a colourful array of support characters. Definitely worth the read.

This hilarious romance revolves around poker. Don't worry, you don't need to understand the rules of the poker card game to enjoy this story. Lots of 3 dimensional characters and a riveting plot to make this book a page turner! Cross cultural differences between English & American characters abound in this book to make it engaging & humorous.

The plot revolves around characters with unrequited love eg A loves B, B loves C, C loves D, D loves E etc. You get the picture. Its a big merry go round of love.

Izzy is the female protagonist who fantasizes about the man whom she has a hopeless crush with when she first sees him as a teenager aged 14 years old and the man's name is David Barton who is in his early 20's.

When they next meet, it would be 15 years later in their work place as party organizers in partnership. Their close proximity in the office is enough for Izzy's crush to develop into a full blown office romance that is not divulged to her object of desire, David Barton. However, a rival party organizer by the name of Stryker has affections for Izzy that was ignited during a poker game at a casino. Poker then becomes a romantic instrument to tug at the heartstrings of all the characters involved in this pursuit of unrequited love.

The author, Cindy Blake, is an American living permanently in England just like Robyn Sisman, another American author who writes chick lit in England too!! Somehow, transplanted American authors living in England provide a more enlightening perspective for both characters and plot that make their work outstanding.

My 5 year old is a huge Lazytown fan. He loved the book and it taught a great lesson about sharing and friendship. I bought more Lazytown books since this one was such a hit.

My five year old loves the book and we read it night after night together before bed.

It's nice to be reminded that there have been, and hopefully will be again, presidential candidates who are more driven by the passion to serve than a vague and often misguided ambition to merely hold office. Senator Tsongas' work more than serves that purpose as it outlines his reasons for running in 1992 as well as his blueprint for a party that promises to effectively serve the compassionate core of America. What's most refreshing is that Tsongas is fair and reasoned in his approach and, whenever necessary, critical of his own party in his attempt to stear it in bold new directions. Whether you embrace Tsongas' political leanings or not, this is one of those works that should be considered essential reading nevertheless.

This is, simply put, one of the better works I have read. The late, great American, Paul Tsongas, did a wonderful job in articulating his belief that we are a socially progressive yet fiscally responsible nation. In doing so, the former Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate does not forsake his Democratic roots but instead embraces the New Democratic theory on government, which seeks to have both a fiscal and morally responsible government which empowers citizens.

Mind you, I do not agree 100% with the late Senator's beliefs. Yet, overall, this one's a sure winner. I highly recommend this one.

Hedgehog asks Lion, "Are you coming to the party tonight?" Lion answers no, he doesn't think so. "No one cares whether I come of not." Now, if he had a beautiful beak and wings like a toucan... And as the reader looks through the die cut hole in the page, they see a glimpse of just what Lion wishes for. Turn the page and see a two page spread of this magical, whimsical new animal with a little comment from Hedgehog. "That would be fun to see. But I like you just the way you are." So begins Marcus Pfister's delightful picture book, and youngsters will revel in all the fun as they watch the hedgehog turn part colorful chameleon, the toucan grow an elephant's trunk and large heavy feet, the chameleon take on long, thin stork legs, the elephant transform into a pouched, jumping kangaroo, and the kangaroo grow a beautiful lion's mane. Mr Pfister's simple, repetitive text lets little ones "help" you read, and the marvelous, charming hybrid artwork is bold, vibrant, and dazzles with creativity and imagination. Perfect for preschoolers, this little treasure of a book sends the strong message of friendship, pride, and self-respect; that you're special "just the way you are" and others admire and accept you because you're you. "It was a wonderful party filled with good times and good friends."

I think this book will be a children's classic, right up there with "Good Night Moon". Written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister, this book explains the meaning of true friendship, but not in a preachy way. The language and illustrations are equally lovely.

I originally checked this book out from the library, but after marking a lot of pages of recipes and ideas that I liked, I decided I better just buy the book. It is totally worth it! The recipes are simple yet tasty, and she has some great ideas for parties and decorating. I love it!!!

Katie Brown's Outdoor Entertaining book is absolutely delightful.

It's packed full of wonderful recipes like Salad Pizza, Crab Dip Crostini, and Corn and Pepper Jack Fry Cakes. Yum. The recipes are delicious but also easy to make.

This is not just a cookbook. Katie has loads of fun ideas for decorating and fun outdoors. For the kids, she has Googly Eyes & Smiles party bags. Those are simple and really cute. I love the way she takes a garden basket, paints her name on the side and hangs that to store gardening gear.

The photos in Outdoor Entertaining are exceptional. They make me want to read more and find out how to do the projects. They also give me ideas of my own to build on what I learn about in the book.

Outdoor Entertaining would be perfect to give as a gift to a buddy who enjoys the outdoors, cooking or entertaining. It's also a good buy for the coffee table of bookshelf. You can pull it out and get do-able ideas and also will feel your own creative juices flowing.