Publisher's Synopsis
Conservatism in Britain is an ideology which has taken on many forms over its history. It has been influenced by some of the country's greatest thinkers and politicians, and has been present at nearly every major political and social event since the end of the Renaissance. It has also proved itself versatile and fluid, adopting ideas from traditionalism, liberalism and socialism at various points across its history. When British people today think of conservatism, perhaps what springs to mind is the Conservative Party, an institution with a polarising effect on British society. This party, however, is not entitled to claim the mantle of British conservatism all for itself. Conservatism has manifested itself in many ways, not just as an ideological force in British politics, but as an attitude deep-rooted in the British mindset, such that many Britons might be described as "small-c conservative." This book is a study in British conservatism. It is an examination of its history, its philosophy and the author hopes, a standing point from which to look at conservatism's future. The reality is, despite the stigma modern conservatives may face, and the influence of economic liberalism on today's right-wing politics, many still hold beliefs which are rooted in a deeply pragmatic and compassionate philosophy, committed to preserving the values which marked Britain out as a nation of liberties for over four centuries. This book presents the development and current state of this philosophy, and hopefully allows the reader to appreciate its dynamic and ubiquitous nature.
