The author himself provides the best description. 'In this book I examine about thirty key personalities in the the history of the British Labour movement between 1900 and 1987. I also try to explore what kind of typology of leadership emerges. This is, inevitably, a highly personal selection, in part reflecting my own interests, outlook and background. . . I hope, nevertheless, that the main kinds of Labour leaders, parliamentary politicians, trade unionists, machine apparatchiks, intellectuals, journalists, prophets and others are truly represented. . .'
Kenneth O. Morgan succeeds magnificently in his aim whether he is writing about Keir Hardie, The Webbs, Ellen Wilkinson, Herbert Morrison or Denis Healey: these portraits and all the others are illuminated with a sympathetic scholarship.
'Morgan can bring to the study of the Labour Party a knowledge that is second to none' Ben Pimlott, New Society
'It combines surveying the abundant recently published material on twentieth century British labour history with the integrating perspective of a sympathetic and very knowledgeable historian' Brian Harrison, London Review of Books
'matchless authority . . . both attractive and unique' J. M. Winter, History
'These Labour People are full of fascinating contradictions' John Mortimer, Sunday Times
'polished, yet sharp, moving easily through complexities yet often with a provocative comment' David Howell, Welsh History Review
