The Life and Times of Sidney and Beatrice Webb: 1858-1905: The Formative Years [Hardcover]

Sidney and Beatrice Webb are the most important British contributors to the socialist tradition. They had a hand in founding many of the institutions that form the fabric of British society; notably the Fabian society, the Labour Party, the London School of Economics, the New Statesman , the Political Quarterly and Tribune. This is the first authorized biography of the Webbs commissioned by the Passfield Trustees; this life of the 'oddest couple since Adam and Eve' differs from previous studies in considering their literary and institution-building accomplishments and not just their personal idiosyncrasies.Abbreviations Introduction PART 1: THE MAN WITH NO INSIDE: SIDNEY WEBB 1859-1890 The Shaping of a Professional Man 1859-1885 The Prevailing Fabian 1885-1890 PART 2: THE DIVIDED SELF: BEATRICE POTTER 1858-1890 The Making of a Gilded Spinster 1858-1885 From Social Investigator to Socialist 1885-1890 Note: Beatrice Potter Versus Beatrice Webb: Towards an Autocritique PART 3: THE EARLY YEARS OF THE PARTNERSHIP 1890-1903 The Formation of the Partnership 1890-92 Democracy and the Labour Movement 1890-1900 Heroic Opportunism: Towards a Third Culture and Education in London 1893-1905 Squalid Opportunism: Fabianism and Empire 1893-1903 PART 4: EPILOGUE An Ideal Marriage? Select Bibliography Index

'his undoubted masterpiece...a remarkable feat of detailed research and objective judgement.' - The Times

'Harrison's writing is masterly, without being heavy, his comment is always profound and often very witty.' - The Spokesman

'A fine biography of two socialist stars and what passes for a history of socialism...it is worth every penny...his foray into biography is also a resounding success...' - Paul Foot, The Guardian online

'Harrison's The Life and Times is a fine book, a notable addition to the riches of our socialist library. Its powerful message shows how partners can act together and how, indeed, they will be nló(