First published in 1970, British Budgets in Peace and War, 1932–1945 examines the period from the depression through the limited recovery of the late thirties to World War II and its ending. The book takes an unusual angle, telling this story through the Budgets of the era.
Through careful editing and selection, the author presents each Budget as the participants themselves experienced it, from the Chancellor to the backbencher, capturing their debates and perspectives. Only after presenting this evidence does he draw his own conclusions and invite readers to form their own judgments.
The four Chancellors of this period—Chamberlain, Simon, Wood, and Anderson—emerge from this analysis with considerable credit for their stewardship during these challenging years.