The National Library of Wales
Lloyd George and Welsh Liberalism
Thu, 17 Jun 10 16:15:00
With a new Liberal and Conservative coalition government in Westminster and a National Assembly governing on Welsh soil, there is so much of David Lloyd George’s legacy which seems to have prevailed or reflected in Welsh and British politics of today. A new book published by the National Library of Wales, Lloyd George and Welsh Liberalism, by J. Graham Jones throws light on a part of the great statesman’s life which can be missed by other publications about the Welsh patriot who became the British Prime Minister.
The book, which is being launched on Saturday 26 June, is written by the Head of the Welsh Political Archive which is based at the National Library, J. Graham Jones. The book is launched in the company of Ffion Hague, who’s masterly book, The Pain and Privilege (HarperPress), throws light on the politician’s private affairs.
This substantial book, grounded firmly in the unique Lloyd George archives in the custody of the National Library, re-evaluates many of the key episodes in his life and political career. These include his dramatic entry into Welsh political life at Blaenau Ffestiniog in February 1886, his role in the ‘Cymru Fydd’ movement, so abruptly terminated in 1896, his entry into the cabinet in December 1905, the preparation of his all-important ‘People’s Budget’ of 1909 which provoked a major constitutional crisis, and his relationship with the Suffragettes.
Later themes re-assessed here include his dramatic, herculean bid to return to power in 1927-29, his role at the constitutional crisis of 1931, his ‘New Deal’ proposals in 1935, and his contribution to the removal from office of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in May 1940. Other essays consider his often rocky relationship with some of his political contemporaries.
Dr John Graham Jones, author of this new book, has spent more than thirty years studying Lloyd George, making widespread use of the seven major Lloyd George archives and other source materials deposited at the National Library of Wales where he has worked as an archivist since 1980. Presently he is Head of the Welsh Political Archive at the Library.
Lecture and Launch
2.00 p.m. Saturday 26 June 2010
Lecture by J. Graham Jones - The Marriage of Lloyd George and Frances Stevenson
followed by the launch of J. Graham Jones’s, Lloyd George and Welsh Liberalism
Drwm, The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
Free admission by ticket
Lloyd George and Welsh Liberalism (The National Library of Wales, 2010)
ISBN: 978-1-86225-084-0
Price: £24.99
Further information:
Siôn Jobbins, NLW Press Office: 01970 632902 post@llgc.org.uk
