'Lowe has that rare gift of being able to overfly an immensely complicated landscape and to make sense of it with clarity, precision and detachment. His assessment of New Labour brings much-needed perspective and light.' - Peter Hennessy, Queen Mary, University of London 'This new edition provides an authoritative and clear assessment of the Thatcher years and a valuable assessment of New Labour's policies in relation to the preceding Conservative record.' - Jane Lewis, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of Oxford Reviews of the first edition: 'An impressive new history of the welfare state.' - The Guardian 'This book will be invaluable for anyone teaching or studying post-1945 British history or specifically post-war social policy.' - Pat Thane, Labour History Review 'An excellent study which will not be surpassed for many a year.' - Alan Booth, University of Exeter 'Excellent...Lowe is conversant with the social policy literature on this period and is able to make numerous connections with the perspectives of other disciplines.' - Journal of Social Policy Reviews of the third edition: 'Professor Lowe's book is an excellent update of his standard text. With the books by Fraser and Harris it gives Palgrave Macmillan a leading position in studies of the history of the British welfare state.' - Dr David Martin, University of Sheffield, UK