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A Duty of Care

Britain Before and After Covid
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( 50 ratings, 6 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Duty of Care by Peter Hennessy delves into the responsibilities and ethical considerations faced by government officials and institutions in maintaining societal well-being. It explores historical and contemporary challenges in managing public interest, civil service, and constitutional affairs. Hennessy examines the balance between authority and accountability in British political and social landscapes.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're intrigued by the intricate workings of British politics and the role of leadership in turbulent times, you might find this book an enlightening read. Peter Hennessy explores how key figures have navigated historical challenges, offering insight into governance and the responsibilities of those in power. This piece may appeal to history enthusiasts and those interested in the dynamics of military and political decision-making.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of our most celebrated historians shows how we can use the lessons of the past to build a new post-Covid society in Britain.

The 'duty of care' which the state owes to its citizens is a phrase much used, but what has it actually meant in Britain historically? And what should it mean in the future, once the immediate Covid crisis has passed?

In A Duty of Care, Peter Hennessy divides post-war British history into BC (before covid) and AC (after covid). He looks back to Sir William Beveridge's classic identification of the 'five giants' against which society had to battle – want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness – and laid the foundations for the modern welfare state in his wartime report.

He examines the steady assault on the giants by successive post-war governments and asks what the comparable giants are now. He lays out the 'road to 2045' with 'a new Beveridge' to build a consensus for post-covid Britain with the ambition and on the scale that was achieved by the first.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Duty of Care by Peter Hennessy is praised for its insightful reflection on Britain's post-war history and current social challenges. Critics highlight Hennessy's call for a reinvigorated national spirit and more benevolent politics, suggesting the British public has outshone its leaders during the pandemic. The book is lauded for being both a historical analysis and a hopeful manifesto for future societal improvement, showcasing Hennessy's deep understanding and passion for Britain's political landscape.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141995663

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 202g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Peter Hennessy, one of Britain's best-known historians, is Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History at Queen Mary, University of London. He is the author of the classic 'post-war trilogy', Never Again- Britain 1945-1951 (winner of the NCR and Duff Cooper Prizes), Having it So Good- Britain in the Fifties (winner of the Orwell Prize) and Winds of Change- Britain in the Early Sixties, the bestselling The Prime Minister and The Secret State- Preparing For The Worst 1945-2010. He was made an independent crossbench life Peer in 2010.

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