Labour policy—false and true : $b A study in economic history and industrial economics

This work offers a clear‑sighted look at early‑20th‑century labour politics, tracing the origins, goals and internal contradictions of the party that sought to reshape British society. Drawing on articles first published in leading periodicals, the author maps out the party’s constitutional foundations, its declared aims for a minimum standard of living, and its flirtation with various forms of socialism. The opening sections lay out the historical alliances and ideological shifts that defined the movement’s evolution up to the post‑war era.

Beyond the political narrative, the book blends economic history with industrial analysis, examining proposals for nationalizing industry, land reform, and strategies to combat unemployment. It weighs the practical limits of state‑led initiatives against the claimed benefits of capitalist organization, offering concrete examples of policy debates and legislative attempts. Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of the period’s policy disputes and the broader questions about how societies balance freedom, equity, and economic efficiency.