Britain and European Unity, 1945-1999 (British History in Perspective) - Softcover

'The second edition of Britain and European Unity remains the best survey in the field.' - Albion 'A good introduction to a relatively underdeveloped area.' - Dr P.J. Maguire, University of Brighton 'Brilliant, up-to-date treatment, incisive.' - Martin Dedman, Middlesex University Reviews of the first edition: '...this incisive and comprehensive survey deserves to be widely read.' - Anthony Adamthwaite, The International History Review 'The best summary I have read of the post-war history of the European question.' - Dennis MacShane, History Today 'This book will be invaluable for students both of post-war British history and politics and European integration in general.' - David Weigall, Political Studies

This book provides a lucid and comprehensive survey of British policy towards European integration from 1929, when a French foreign minister first suggested a European Federation, to 1999, when the single currency, the Euro, was launched. Fully revised and updated, this second edition explains why Britain did not become a founder member of the European Community in the 1950s, what motivated the French to prevent Britain from joining in the 1960s and why, since 1973, most British governments have found it hard to commit to a European future.