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Short Histories, 7

Conservatism

By Mark Garnett

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£22.99

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About this book

The nature of conservative ideology is and will continue to be warmly contested. In this short history, Mark Garnett contends that the disagreements have been particularly strong in the instance of British conservatism because the ideological label continues to be used by a prominent political party. Whether hostile or friendly in intent, commentators on conservatism have found it difficult to avoid the assumption that British "conservatism" must, at all times, be reflected at least to some degree in the policy platforms of the Conservative Party.

This book presents an account of British conservatism which avoids the usual confusion between the ideology and the stated principles of a party which prides itself on an ability to change its views according to circumstances. It shows, since the Tory Party adopted the name "Conservative" in the 1830s it has become increasingly difficult to associate its varying positions with a coherent "conservative" position, so that it is more profitable to discuss its ideological history from the perspective of liberalism and nationalism. This argument is presented by tracing the histories of the party and the ideology in separate chapters, whose themes and cast of characters rarely coincide.

Reviews

Thoroughly enjoyable, stimulating (and) often very funny... Garnett’s short, lively history of the interplay of conservative thought and the ideology of the British Conservative Party shows, whatever the party’s principles were, they were not conservative... This is all conveyed with style, authority and some real bite. Garnett is both well-read and good company—a rare mix... (he) discusses the ideological conflicts within the party with deftness and cogency.

Mark Garnett deftly interweaves history, philosophy and politics to create a readable and punchy narrative of the development of conservatism in its natural habitat of the British Conservative Party, leavened by pithy observations and sardonic humour. Vital background for anyone trying to understand how the party of Europe, morality and fiscal responsibility became the party of Brexit, Johnson and Truss.

Mark Garnett has produced a highly readable account of the Conservative Party which weaves together thought and practice very effectively. It confirms my view of him as one of the best scholars on the Conservative Party today. I strongly recommend it for students and the general reader alike.

In this wide-ranging and engaging account of the interplay of ideas, personalities and events in the history of the Conservative Party over two centuries Mark Garnett explores how the pursuit of office and changing circumstances have emptied Conservatism of ideological coherence. A frank and stimulating guide to the Conservative Party and the roots of its present discontents.

Table of contents

Introduction

1. The contestable conservative tradition: Burke to Southey

2. The Conservative Party from Peel to Salisbury

3. "Converging streams": British conservative thought from Southey to Cecil

4. The Conservative Party, 1902–45

5. "We must have an ideology": conservatism since the First World War

6. The Conservative Party since 1945

Conclusion: is conservatism dead?

A chronology of conservatism and the Conservative Party

About the author

Mark Garnett

Mark Garnett is a writer and political historian who has taught at several UK universities. He has written widely on Brtitish politics, including acclaimed biographies of Tory grandees, Keith Joseph and Willie Whitelaw.

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