The British People and the League of Nations

A rich and original study of the culture of association, showing the 'Big Society' in action in interwar Britain. First full-length study of a major British pressure-group, the League of Nations Union, since 1981, making extensive use of local archives. Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of social movements in modern Britain. -- .

“"As a sympathetic account of the League of Nations Union (LNU) mentality, McCarthy's treatment cannot be faulted, and her well-documented reconstruction of the LNU's mode of operation fully bears out her view that it 'belonged to, and greatly enriched a pluralist, liberally oriented civil society in Britain, the historical phenomenon which this book has throughout sought to illuminate." -James Hinton, University of Warwick, Twentieth Century British History Review”

‘An important work of recovery…[McCarthy’s] recovery of the activism and commitment of ordinary citizens is welcome and new’
Susan Pedersen, London Review of Books, August 2013

‘This book presents a fresh and encompassing social history of the LNU in British interwar political culture, astutely assessing failures as well as successes.’
George Egerton, American Historical Review

‘A fascinating account of the League of Nations movement in Britain between the wars....the movement in the book between micrological investigations of local sources and macrological analyses of major political figures and developments is almost seamless.’
Jeanne Morefield, Journal of Modern History

‘The scale and scope of the LNU’s activities far eclipsed that of earlier voluntary associations. Herein lies its historical significance, as McCarthy’s fine book illustrates.’
Daniel Gorman, Journal of British Studies

‘This important monograph is the first detailed study of the League of Nations Union (LNU) since Donald S. Birn’s book on the topic appeared in 1981...McCarthy’s impressive book points to a valuable avenue for future research.’
Paul Corthorn, Contemporary British History

‘McCarthy’s excellent study fills a sizeable gap in the existing literature…By frequently shifting the spotlight towards the LNU’s interaction with the British public – rather than with Whitehall and Westminster – readers are granted a much deeper understanding of the British relationship with internationalism…The British people and the League of Nations thus deserves a large and varied readership.’
Jamie Perry, Journal of History and Cultures

Helen McCarthy is Lecturer in Modern British History at Queen Mary, University of London.

A rich and original study of the culture of association, showing the 'Big Society' in action in interwar Britain. First full-length study of a major British pressure-group, the League of Nations Union, since 1981, making extensive use of local archives. Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of social movements in modern Britain. -- .

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.