Political Wings: William Wedgwood Benn, First Viscount Stansgate by Alun Wyburn-Powell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wyburn-Powell has written an important contribution to not only the history of the Liberal Party in England but also to the political life of the country more generally.
Most people will be far more familiar with the later generations of the Benn political dynasty including Tony Benn and his son Hilary. This book explores precisely how that dynasty was created and the formidable man behind it.
One is struck how far to the left the First Viscount Stansgate was on many issues and it certainly sheds light on Tony Benn’s later unflagging support of various underdog causes in a type of emulation of his father.
Overall one is left wanting to read more about the fascinating history of British politics in the interwar years where elections happened much more frequently and politicians were far more likely to cross the floor – in some cases back again not long after. As much as a personal history of William Wedgwood Benn, this book is also a history of the fall of the Liberal Party and the rise of the Labour Party with Benn as a participant and, at times, unsung catalyst.
Alun Wynburn-Powell has done an extraordinary job of research on William Wedgwood Benn who unlike his son Tony, did not publish extensive diaries in his lifetime. The writer also assumes the reader has some knowledge of the workings of parliament and the British political system. However, even with a rudimentary understanding and interest in Benn it should provide and enjoyable and informative read.