British Politics Since 1945: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Consensus

Our review of British Politics Since 1945 finds it a clear, compact guide for readers who want a single-volume overview of postwar British political history. David Dutton updates this edition to trace the theme of political consensus through to the present day, making it particularly useful for students and general readers who need a reliable narrative without dense academic apparatus. The book's strength is its focused scope and accessibility, which together make it an efficient primer rather than a comprehensive specialist monograph.

Key Features

• Concise survey: Summarises key developments in British politics since 1945 so readers can grasp major trends in a single sitting.
• Extended new edition: Brings the theme of consensus up to date, allowing readers to see how postwar compromises have evolved to the present.
• Thematic focus: Keeps the narrative centered on the rise, fall and rebirth of consensus, which helps readers follow continuity across decades.
• Accessible writing: Uses clear prose suited to undergraduates and interested non-specialists who prefer synthesis over specialist detail.
• Further reading updated: Offers revised suggestions for further study so readers can pursue topics introduced in the text.

Who It's For

This book is aimed primarily at students on introductory politics or modern history courses and general readers seeking an intelligible overview of postwar British politics. Its compact approach makes it a good course companion or a starting point before tackling more specialised works.

Readers looking for exhaustive archival research, deep policy analysis, or a richly sourced academic monograph should look elsewhere; this edition is best used as a concise synthesis and guide rather than a definitive scholarly reference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, focused narrative that makes complex political shifts easier to understand for newcomers.
• Updated edition extends the discussion of consensus politics through recent years, improving relevance.
• Practical further reading suggestions help guide deeper study after the survey.
• Compact length suits course reading lists and quick refreshers.

Cons

• Not a deep specialist treatment; researchers seeking exhaustive detail will need supplementary sources.

Specifications

Title	British Politics Since 1945: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Consensus
Author	David Dutton
Edition	New expanded edition
Scope	Postwar British politics up to the present day
Focus	The theme of political consensus
Includes	Updated further reading

Our Verdict

David Dutton's concise survey is a dependable, well-focused introduction to postwar British politics and the changing idea of consensus. It represents good value for students and interested readers who need a coherent narrative and updated reading suggestions, though specialists should supplement it with more detailed studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition cover recent political developments?
Yes, the new expanded edition extends the exploration of consensus through to the present day.

Is this book suitable for undergraduate courses?
Yes, its concise, accessible approach makes it well suited as course reading for introductory politics or modern history modules.

Will I find exhaustive references and archives here?
No, the book provides updated further reading but is intended as a concise survey rather than an exhaustive, heavily sourced monograph.