Hugh Gaitskell: The First Moderniser

This biography of Hugh Gaitskell argues that he was the grandfather of Tony Blair's revolution, the original Labour modernizer, who, in Lord Jenkins's words, was "a considerably greater man" than either Harold Wilson or James Callaghan. In previous biographies he has emerged as the hero of sensible socialism and the best Prime Minister Britain never had. This book connects Gaitskell's pedantic, grey public persona with the charming, loving and funny man people knew in private life. It also provides a critical reassessment of Gaitskell's political legacy, based on interviews by the author, memoirs and private papers.