Table of Contents

Introduction: An Approach to Tawney A Saint But Not a Thinker? Reconstructing Tawney The Significance of Style Political Thought and British Politics PART ONE: Tawney's Life 1. Moral Quest, 1880-1914 India, Rugby, Balliol: In a World He Never Made Charity and Slums He "Finds Himself" in Workers' Education 2. Socialist Politics, 1915-1931 War: "I Suppose It's Worth It" Public Figure: Miners and Bishops The London School of Economics, with Distractions 3. Squire of Houghton Street, 1932-1942 Political Troubles Teacher, Colleague, Watchdog of Education To America 4. Sage, 1943-1962 War a Springboard for Socialism? Academia: Hood, Knife, Pen "The Roots Are Loosened" PART TWO: Tawney's Socialism 5. Equality Aspects of Equality Equality and Equal Worth Equality and Self-Fulfillment Equality and Social Function The Fruits of Equality 6. Dispersion of Power The Threat of Authoritarianism The Nature of Power Power Must Be Dispersed Purpose and Power 7. Social Function Purpose Service The Basis of Rights 8. Citizenship A Place in the House or a New House? Departure from a Victorian Tradition Education, Myth, and Citizenship A Socialist Way of Life Trusting the People 9. Fellowship Recover Fraternity? Up From Liberalism Interlude of Possibility The Key Is Fellowship Within Reach of Each Other PART THREE: Tawney Today 10. Vulnerabilities The Problem of Common Ends Britain and the World Marxism's Changed Position Politics, Rationality, and Institutional Change Reduced Role of Christianity 11. Tawney's Importance The Case Against Capitalism Combating Unbridled Capitalism and Authoritarianism The Challenge of Collectivism Christianity and Socialism Humanistic Socialism Tawney's Place in British Socialism On Sources Bibliography of the Published Writings of R. H. Tawney Notes Index

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I have read it, enthralled, at a single sitting. -- Professor Maurice Cranston

Reviews

This biographical and analytical study of R.H. Tawney has three important merits. It is brief but dense (in the best sense). It is shrewd and reticent in its comments. And it is timely... [I]t is good to be reminded that in Tawney's work we have a rich and permanent body of well-argued propositions, awaiting discovery by the younger generation, and rediscovery by their elders. * New York Times Book Review *
A fine biography of Tawney the man and public figure... Provides a good window on British political culture, especially that particular variant, humanistic socialism. * Foreign Affairs *
Should be the standard work for our generation. * Review of Politics *
Mr. Terrill has written a magnificent book about a man who was larger than life in his influence on people and thought... I shall not be surprised if it becomes a minor classic. * Irish Times *
A valuable study of Tawney's thought, enriched by a picture of the man, much of it based on interviews with those who knew him well. * American Historical Review *
Invaluable both for scholars and for undergraduates who may have a special interest in British socialism, or a general interest in 20th-century intellectual and social history. * Choice *
Terrill has written a fascinating study of Tawney. Opening with an elegant biographical sketch, he moves on to an evaluation of his thought and its importance in the socialist tradition. This section is a well-done and critical reminder that Tawney's humanistic socialism still has validity as a framework for social and political action. * Library Journal *
I have read it, enthralled, at a single sitting. -- Professor Maurice Cranston