The Grand Delusion : Britain After Sixty Years of Elizabeth II

"In 2012, Britain and the Commonwealth celebrate the 60th anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the throne. The royal family have overcome a number of obstacles in its recent history, yet today it appears to be riding on a wave of popular affection. But has Elizabeth II's reign been a good thing for the UK? Or have the style, rituals and underlying culture of the modern monarchy held Britain back from its potential in the 21st century world? In this groundbreaking and thought-provoking new book, Stephen Haseler argues that the class structure which the monarchy has continued to encourage has retained outdated, yet seemingly entrenched, attitudes which have negatively affected Britain's economy, capacity to innovate and international stature. He provides an alternative political and social history of modern Britain which will be a provocative yet entertaining and informative read in the Queen's anniversary year."--Bloomsbury publishing. Written in the public glow surrounding the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, The Grand Delusion is a critical history of Britain's post-war 'establishment' - with the Queen and her Prime Ministers at its heart. It explores the key questions: has Elizabeth II's reign been good for the UK? Or has it represented six decades of missed opportunities, deepening inequality and failure to adapt? Stephen Haseler argues that, while the role of the Queen has been important in helping to set the tone for the country, the rituals and underlying culture of the British monarchy and its wider establishment have held In This Groundbreaking New Book, Stephen Haseler Argues That The Class Structure Which The Monarchy Has Continued To Encourage Has Retained Outdated, Yet Seemingly Entrenched, Attitudes Which Have Negatively Affected Britain's Economy, Capacity To Innovate And International Stature. Stephen Haseler. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 283-[296]) And Index.