- Email: [email protected]
Churchill to major: The British Prime ministership since 1945
206
Reviews
Chapter four is devoted to German unification. Jones describes the massive flights of East Germans to West Germany in the summer and fall of 1989, the opening of the borders between East and West. the resignation of the East German government, the first and last free elections in East Germany. and the frenetic pace of the West German politicians working to bring about quick unification. As the title implies, the focus of the book is the situation after unification. The remaining chapters, which constitute more than 60 percent of the book, are devoted to the developments that took place after unification. Chapter five discusses the staggering socioeconomic differences between the East and the West in such areas as population issues, economic profiles. infrastructure, environmental problems, and regional inequality. Chapter six examines the problem of modernization in East Germany. As is obvious, these two chapters are closely connected. Despite the fact that East Germany boasted the highest standard of living and the most advanced economy in the Soviet bloc, it lagged far behind that of West Germany. Its industries were inefficient and energy intensive, its workforce was unproductive, and the level of pollution and environmental degradation were some of the highest in the world. Jones supports these points with a wealth of statistics. The process of integration posed enormous problems for the German government. A special office (Treuhandanstalt) for the privatization of East German industry was created to provide both guidance and monetary help. The book examines, in detail, the work of this office and the difficulties it encountered. Despite enormous financial difficulties the government is going ahead with its plans for total integration and there are several success stories that provide a glimpse of hope. Even so. most economists estimate that the standard of living for eastern Germans will not match that of the west until the year 2010. The last two chapters go beyond the German borders to look at the role of the new Germany in Europe and the rest of the world. After unification. Germany became the most populous of European countries (excluding Russia), with 79.1 million people. Despite the slowdown caused by the process of assimilation, the German economy is still the strongest in Europe and one of the most robust in the world. Given the historical mistrust of Germany by its neighbors, it is obvious why they are all interested in seeing a balanced, democratic Germany firmly anchored in a European Union. Germany presents a paradoxical situation for the Union, since it now contains some of the most prosperous. as well as some of the poorest, regions of the Union. But Germany, through its geographic location at the center of Europe and the legacy of its ties to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, also represents the West’s bridge to the East. The conclusion to this book is very short. In a way this underscores the long road that Germany has to travel until the legacy of over four decades of division can be overcome. Unification was more painful than anybody anticipated, yet it was inevitable. Jones concludes that it is just another chapter in Germany’s turbulent history. As such, it is a beginning, which. despite a difficult start, has the potential of a successful future. T/w Netl~ Gtwnm_v: A Hur77m Gwgrtrph~ is one of the best contemporary books written about German unification. Its approach, which looks at the social and economic dimensions as they affect developments in the country. is unique. The book abounds in statistics, maps, charts, tables, figures, and photographs, yet it is not boring. The statistics are translated into meaningful illustrations that explain specific phenomena and developments. This is a well-researched, well-written, scholarly book. Each chapter ends with a short bibliography of suggested readings. In addition, there is a long bibliography at the end of the book, as well as the requisite index. The topic and the execution make this book a welcome addition to libraries’ as well as to researchers’ personal collections. SEVER BORDEIANU Social Science Coordinator General Library University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
Churchill to Major: The British Prime Ministership Since 1945. Edited Hodder-Williams. New York: M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 199s. 24213. ISBN:
by Donald Shell and Richard 1850651795 (pbk.).
Reviews
207
Chrrrchill to Major: The British Prime Ministers/zip Since 1945 is a series of perspectives on the office of Prime Minister and how the office has changed from postwar 1945 to its current status in 1995. The book is divided into eight chapters, each written by a different author on the various functions of the prime minister. The topics covered include the origins of the office and the responsibilities of the prime minister as leader of a nation and a political party. The book delves into the minute detail of cabinet and party issues as well as how various prime ministers have successfully or unsuccessfully dealt with them. The authors analyze the role the media has played in reshaping the image of a prime minister. The book ends with a look at the role prime ministers play in international events. Shell writes about the office of prime minister, itself. He examines the origins of the office and how it has evolved over the centuries, relating fascinating details on how prime ministers attain the office as well as how they lose office. In a clear, concise manner Shell outlines the complexity of the British Constitution and how it plays into the responsibilities of the prime minister, such as answering to the cabinet, the House of Commons, the party, opposition, and the nation on key issues. Gidding’s essay on the prime minister and the cabinet quite thoroughly explains how the two work either together or against each other. The role of patronage and ministerial management is examined from the perspective of the leadership styles of the various prime ministers. The author cites examples such as the Suez crisis, the Falklands war, the notorious Profumo scandal, and budget issues, though not in any real detail. Borthwick explores the relationship between the prime minister and Parliament. His topics range from the powers of the Commons to the role it has played in the gain and loss of the office of prime minister. Details showing how Parliament functions. from the views of the party in power and the opposition, are detailed. Borthwick spends a lot of time on the subject of the Prime Minister’s Questions. These twice weekly. parliamentary debate nights in which the prime minister fields questions mainly from the opposition. have evolved into an integral part of the office. The author, with great insight. points out the strengths and weaknesses of the various prime ministers. Questions concerning the abilities of ministers to manipulate Parliament are raised and answered in some detail. Another author. Burch. writes about the problems prime ministers face in dealing with government bureaucracy. in particular Whitehall. Burch reviews the resources available to the prime minister while examining how government departments are organized. The reliance of the minister on his cabinet to move policy forward is emphasized. along with an analysis of whether the prime minister should be more, or less, involved in the day-to-day administration of Whitehall. Burch delves into the restructuring of departments by various prime ministers and the effects of these changes on cabinet policies. Another essay by Shell deals with the relationship between the prime ministers and their respective parties. Shell analyzes the role the party system plays in shaping the office. The essay defends the two-party system as effective management of the nation. Shell gives insightful detail on how party structure is developed and maintained. as well as the high and low points of party leadership. Contrast is a key part of his theme. comparing the Labour and Conservative party frameworks. Seymour-Ure analyzes the role the media has had in changing the way prime ministers have handled themselves, especially in the public’s perception of the office. The impact of television and newspapers is particularly emphasized. Seymour-Ure does a thorough job of contrasting the way prime ministers have dealt with the media. from the indifference of Atlee and Churchill to the somewhat successful exploitation of Wilson and Thatcher. Seymour-Ure particularly emphasizes how newspaper endorsements have influenced elections. The increased size of media management from Downing Street reiterates the view that prime ministers need exposure if they wish to survive politically. In his essay on international relations, Lee writes about the gradual evolution ofthe prime minister as. not just a national leader but as an active player on the world scene. Lee points out that foreign involvement can either enhance a prime minister’s standing. by citing Thatcher during the Falklands crisis. or bring the downfall of the leader. by citing the Suez crisis of the Eden ministry. Increased involvement in international gatherings. such as the European Community (EC), Group of Seven, and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. are examples Lee uses to point out problems prime ministers face from their own parties as well as from the opposition. Problems such as EC elections and membership dies. military involvements. and reliance on covert intelligence are also raised. Hodder-Williams concludes the book by giving a general view of the office itself. The essay pulls together the previous chapters by providing more insights on the prime minister as national and party leader. world figure. and defender of a largely unwritten constitution. Hodder-Williams makes
208
Reviews
interesting comparisons between the British and American constitutions emphasizing the implied powers of the prime minister and the stated powers of the American president. Though filled with numerous printing errors, the extraordinary amount and quality of research that went into the writing of this book are most impressive. The authors go into great detail on many of their points, and a strong background in contemporary British political history would be a necessity to read the essays with full comprehension. Yet, the writers do touch on a number of subjects that could have been more fully expanded. For example the Committee of 1922 and the Suez crisis are alluded to. though never fully discussed. Further. the Profumo Affair, one of Britain’s biggest political scandals, is barely mentioned. The Westland issue. one of Thatcher’s major problems. is mentioned early. but not explained until a later chapter. Likewise, the significance of the Backbenchers, younger or more minor members of Parliament, is never fully brought out. Although the publishers claim the volume is full of human interest and drama. the writing style is a bit dry and academic. Chrlrchill fr) Ml!jor is certainly not a general history or an easy read. but. for the
knowledgeable
researcher
or British historian,
this is an excellent collection. EDWARD .I. WILSON History Department Fork Union Military Academy Fork Union. VA USA
BOOKS
AND
OTHER
MATERIALS
RECEIVED
Big Emerging Mnrkets: 1996 Orttlook trod Sotrrc~hoo~. U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. Lanham. MD: Bernan Press, 1995. Published in conjunction with the National Technical Information Service. 476~. ISBN: o-89059-053-2. $39.95. Bits, Bytes, trnd Big Bwfher. Fcderrrl It!fitrmtrtion Control in rhc Techtwlogicrrl Age. By Shannon E. Martin. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 1995. 184~. 1SBN: 0-275-949001. $52.95. CIS Serial Set Index, Prrrt XIV: Index crnd Calto-Bihliogt.rrphg ofMrrps. 1789-1969. Edited by Donna P. Koepp. Bethesda, MD: Congressional Information Service. Inc., 1995. Three vol. 1789-1969 segment, ISBN: 0-88692-344-l $2,685. 1789-1897 segment, ISBN: 0-88692345-X. $995. 1897-1925 segment, ISBN: O-88692-346-8. $995. 1925-1969 segment, ISBN: O-88692-347-6. $995. Congrrssioncrl Resecrrch Publications of America, LC 95-30986. Ecortomic Statistics: General Accounting Guide to GATT
Press.
Service 1ttdc.r 1916-1994 on CD-ROM. Bethesda. MD: University 1995. 1 compact disc, installation diskette, and Reference Manual.
Status Report on rl?e Inirirrhe to Improve Economic Strrtistics. U.S. Office. Washington, DC: GAO, July 1995. 147~. GAO/GGD-95-98.
Lu1t3 und Pmctice. World Trade Organization. 1995. 2 vols., 1170~. ISBN: 0-89059-054-O. $139.
Lanham.
Infotmcrtion Technology Invrstmcr~t: A Goverttmrt~t Wide OvetvieI~‘. U.S. counting Office. Washington, DC: GAO, July 1995. 28~. GAO/AIMD-95-208.
MD:
Bernan
General
Ac-
Reviews
Chapter four is devoted to German unification. Jones describes the massive flights of East Germans to West Germany in the summer and fall of 1989, the opening of the borders between East and West. the resignation of the East German government, the first and last free elections in East Germany. and the frenetic pace of the West German politicians working to bring about quick unification. As the title implies, the focus of the book is the situation after unification. The remaining chapters, which constitute more than 60 percent of the book, are devoted to the developments that took place after unification. Chapter five discusses the staggering socioeconomic differences between the East and the West in such areas as population issues, economic profiles. infrastructure, environmental problems, and regional inequality. Chapter six examines the problem of modernization in East Germany. As is obvious, these two chapters are closely connected. Despite the fact that East Germany boasted the highest standard of living and the most advanced economy in the Soviet bloc, it lagged far behind that of West Germany. Its industries were inefficient and energy intensive, its workforce was unproductive, and the level of pollution and environmental degradation were some of the highest in the world. Jones supports these points with a wealth of statistics. The process of integration posed enormous problems for the German government. A special office (Treuhandanstalt) for the privatization of East German industry was created to provide both guidance and monetary help. The book examines, in detail, the work of this office and the difficulties it encountered. Despite enormous financial difficulties the government is going ahead with its plans for total integration and there are several success stories that provide a glimpse of hope. Even so. most economists estimate that the standard of living for eastern Germans will not match that of the west until the year 2010. The last two chapters go beyond the German borders to look at the role of the new Germany in Europe and the rest of the world. After unification. Germany became the most populous of European countries (excluding Russia), with 79.1 million people. Despite the slowdown caused by the process of assimilation, the German economy is still the strongest in Europe and one of the most robust in the world. Given the historical mistrust of Germany by its neighbors, it is obvious why they are all interested in seeing a balanced, democratic Germany firmly anchored in a European Union. Germany presents a paradoxical situation for the Union, since it now contains some of the most prosperous. as well as some of the poorest, regions of the Union. But Germany, through its geographic location at the center of Europe and the legacy of its ties to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, also represents the West’s bridge to the East. The conclusion to this book is very short. In a way this underscores the long road that Germany has to travel until the legacy of over four decades of division can be overcome. Unification was more painful than anybody anticipated, yet it was inevitable. Jones concludes that it is just another chapter in Germany’s turbulent history. As such, it is a beginning, which. despite a difficult start, has the potential of a successful future. T/w Netl~ Gtwnm_v: A Hur77m Gwgrtrph~ is one of the best contemporary books written about German unification. Its approach, which looks at the social and economic dimensions as they affect developments in the country. is unique. The book abounds in statistics, maps, charts, tables, figures, and photographs, yet it is not boring. The statistics are translated into meaningful illustrations that explain specific phenomena and developments. This is a well-researched, well-written, scholarly book. Each chapter ends with a short bibliography of suggested readings. In addition, there is a long bibliography at the end of the book, as well as the requisite index. The topic and the execution make this book a welcome addition to libraries’ as well as to researchers’ personal collections. SEVER BORDEIANU Social Science Coordinator General Library University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
Churchill to Major: The British Prime Ministership Since 1945. Edited Hodder-Williams. New York: M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 199s. 24213. ISBN:
by Donald Shell and Richard 1850651795 (pbk.).
Reviews
207
Chrrrchill to Major: The British Prime Ministers/zip Since 1945 is a series of perspectives on the office of Prime Minister and how the office has changed from postwar 1945 to its current status in 1995. The book is divided into eight chapters, each written by a different author on the various functions of the prime minister. The topics covered include the origins of the office and the responsibilities of the prime minister as leader of a nation and a political party. The book delves into the minute detail of cabinet and party issues as well as how various prime ministers have successfully or unsuccessfully dealt with them. The authors analyze the role the media has played in reshaping the image of a prime minister. The book ends with a look at the role prime ministers play in international events. Shell writes about the office of prime minister, itself. He examines the origins of the office and how it has evolved over the centuries, relating fascinating details on how prime ministers attain the office as well as how they lose office. In a clear, concise manner Shell outlines the complexity of the British Constitution and how it plays into the responsibilities of the prime minister, such as answering to the cabinet, the House of Commons, the party, opposition, and the nation on key issues. Gidding’s essay on the prime minister and the cabinet quite thoroughly explains how the two work either together or against each other. The role of patronage and ministerial management is examined from the perspective of the leadership styles of the various prime ministers. The author cites examples such as the Suez crisis, the Falklands war, the notorious Profumo scandal, and budget issues, though not in any real detail. Borthwick explores the relationship between the prime minister and Parliament. His topics range from the powers of the Commons to the role it has played in the gain and loss of the office of prime minister. Details showing how Parliament functions. from the views of the party in power and the opposition, are detailed. Borthwick spends a lot of time on the subject of the Prime Minister’s Questions. These twice weekly. parliamentary debate nights in which the prime minister fields questions mainly from the opposition. have evolved into an integral part of the office. The author, with great insight. points out the strengths and weaknesses of the various prime ministers. Questions concerning the abilities of ministers to manipulate Parliament are raised and answered in some detail. Another author. Burch. writes about the problems prime ministers face in dealing with government bureaucracy. in particular Whitehall. Burch reviews the resources available to the prime minister while examining how government departments are organized. The reliance of the minister on his cabinet to move policy forward is emphasized. along with an analysis of whether the prime minister should be more, or less, involved in the day-to-day administration of Whitehall. Burch delves into the restructuring of departments by various prime ministers and the effects of these changes on cabinet policies. Another essay by Shell deals with the relationship between the prime ministers and their respective parties. Shell analyzes the role the party system plays in shaping the office. The essay defends the two-party system as effective management of the nation. Shell gives insightful detail on how party structure is developed and maintained. as well as the high and low points of party leadership. Contrast is a key part of his theme. comparing the Labour and Conservative party frameworks. Seymour-Ure analyzes the role the media has had in changing the way prime ministers have handled themselves, especially in the public’s perception of the office. The impact of television and newspapers is particularly emphasized. Seymour-Ure does a thorough job of contrasting the way prime ministers have dealt with the media. from the indifference of Atlee and Churchill to the somewhat successful exploitation of Wilson and Thatcher. Seymour-Ure particularly emphasizes how newspaper endorsements have influenced elections. The increased size of media management from Downing Street reiterates the view that prime ministers need exposure if they wish to survive politically. In his essay on international relations, Lee writes about the gradual evolution ofthe prime minister as. not just a national leader but as an active player on the world scene. Lee points out that foreign involvement can either enhance a prime minister’s standing. by citing Thatcher during the Falklands crisis. or bring the downfall of the leader. by citing the Suez crisis of the Eden ministry. Increased involvement in international gatherings. such as the European Community (EC), Group of Seven, and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. are examples Lee uses to point out problems prime ministers face from their own parties as well as from the opposition. Problems such as EC elections and membership dies. military involvements. and reliance on covert intelligence are also raised. Hodder-Williams concludes the book by giving a general view of the office itself. The essay pulls together the previous chapters by providing more insights on the prime minister as national and party leader. world figure. and defender of a largely unwritten constitution. Hodder-Williams makes
208
Reviews
interesting comparisons between the British and American constitutions emphasizing the implied powers of the prime minister and the stated powers of the American president. Though filled with numerous printing errors, the extraordinary amount and quality of research that went into the writing of this book are most impressive. The authors go into great detail on many of their points, and a strong background in contemporary British political history would be a necessity to read the essays with full comprehension. Yet, the writers do touch on a number of subjects that could have been more fully expanded. For example the Committee of 1922 and the Suez crisis are alluded to. though never fully discussed. Further. the Profumo Affair, one of Britain’s biggest political scandals, is barely mentioned. The Westland issue. one of Thatcher’s major problems. is mentioned early. but not explained until a later chapter. Likewise, the significance of the Backbenchers, younger or more minor members of Parliament, is never fully brought out. Although the publishers claim the volume is full of human interest and drama. the writing style is a bit dry and academic. Chrlrchill fr) Ml!jor is certainly not a general history or an easy read. but. for the
knowledgeable
researcher
or British historian,
this is an excellent collection. EDWARD .I. WILSON History Department Fork Union Military Academy Fork Union. VA USA
BOOKS
AND
OTHER
MATERIALS
RECEIVED
Big Emerging Mnrkets: 1996 Orttlook trod Sotrrc~hoo~. U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. Lanham. MD: Bernan Press, 1995. Published in conjunction with the National Technical Information Service. 476~. ISBN: o-89059-053-2. $39.95. Bits, Bytes, trnd Big Bwfher. Fcderrrl It!fitrmtrtion Control in rhc Techtwlogicrrl Age. By Shannon E. Martin. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 1995. 184~. 1SBN: 0-275-949001. $52.95. CIS Serial Set Index, Prrrt XIV: Index crnd Calto-Bihliogt.rrphg ofMrrps. 1789-1969. Edited by Donna P. Koepp. Bethesda, MD: Congressional Information Service. Inc., 1995. Three vol. 1789-1969 segment, ISBN: 0-88692-344-l $2,685. 1789-1897 segment, ISBN: 0-88692345-X. $995. 1897-1925 segment, ISBN: O-88692-346-8. $995. 1925-1969 segment, ISBN: O-88692-347-6. $995. Congrrssioncrl Resecrrch Publications of America, LC 95-30986. Ecortomic Statistics: General Accounting Guide to GATT
Press.
Service 1ttdc.r 1916-1994 on CD-ROM. Bethesda. MD: University 1995. 1 compact disc, installation diskette, and Reference Manual.
Status Report on rl?e Inirirrhe to Improve Economic Strrtistics. U.S. Office. Washington, DC: GAO, July 1995. 147~. GAO/GGD-95-98.
Lu1t3 und Pmctice. World Trade Organization. 1995. 2 vols., 1170~. ISBN: 0-89059-054-O. $139.
Lanham.
Infotmcrtion Technology Invrstmcr~t: A Goverttmrt~t Wide OvetvieI~‘. U.S. counting Office. Washington, DC: GAO, July 1995. 28~. GAO/AIMD-95-208.
MD:
Bernan
General
Ac-