Political Traditions and UK Politics

MATTHEW HALL is Honorary Fellow of POLSIS, University of Birmingham, UK.

• Introduction Variations on a Theme: The BPT and Explanations of British Politics Tradition or Traditions Exploring Tradition The British Political Tradition Revisited The BPT and British Political Life The Participatory Tradition The Nationalist Tradition Conclusion Bibliography

'This is an excellent book on an important subject. Hall shows how a particular view of Democracy underpins the institutions and processes of British politics and thus will affect its future - few issues are more important.' - David Marsh, Director, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, Australia 'Why, when the case for a more pluralistic and participatory democratic settlement has never been more compelling, are Britain's political institutions, processes and practices still ingrained with so many enduring elitist characteristics? Hall's critical study of the British political tradition offers fascinating insights into this paradox and should be read by all those interested in understanding the real nature of political power in Britain.' - David Richards, Professor, University of Sheffield, UK.