Book review: intrinsically interesting to political historians: Britain’s Second Labour Government, 1929-31: a reappraisal

This book is a timely collection of essays on Labour’s second period in office during the international financial crisis of 1929-1931. Contributions by leading historians and younger academics bring fresh perspectives to Labour’s domestic problems, electoral and party matters, relations with the Soviet Union and ideological questions. Many of the chapters offer a valuable and fresh perspective on the period, but Laura Beers believes it is unlikely to significantly advance the debate about the state of British politics between 1929 and 1931. Britain’s Second Labour Government, 1929-31: a reappraisal, edited by John Shepherd, Jonathan Davis and Chris Wrigley. Manchester University Press. January 2012.