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The Last Dance: 1936, the Year Our Lives Changed
'The year has, indeed, begun in gloom. The King ill, and Kipling dead . . .' so wrote the diarist Chips Channon in 1936 as George V lay on his deathbed at Buckingham Palace. The passing of two such pillars of the establishment sent tremors through the nation and heralded the ending of the old order.
1936 was to be an extraordinary year: at home social and constitutional crisis threatened, while in Europe, the dictators were on the march. It was the year of the abdication and civil war in Spain. The tectonic plates of history were shifting - Britain would never be the same again.
The Last Dance is told using the accounts of those who lived through this turbulent period. Through extracts from diaries of shopkeepers, socialites, bishops, and volunteers in Spain, and the memoirs of the unemployed, housewives and hostesses, as well as the contemporary accounts of politicians, journalists and poets, Blakeway offers a compelling and vivid account of a turning point in our nation's story.
1936 was to be an extraordinary year: at home social and constitutional crisis threatened, while in Europe, the dictators were on the march. It was the year of the abdication and civil war in Spain. The tectonic plates of history were shifting - Britain would never be the same again.
The Last Dance is told using the accounts of those who lived through this turbulent period. Through extracts from diaries of shopkeepers, socialites, bishops, and volunteers in Spain, and the memoirs of the unemployed, housewives and hostesses, as well as the contemporary accounts of politicians, journalists and poets, Blakeway offers a compelling and vivid account of a turning point in our nation's story.
440 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 23, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which was recommended to me by a GR friend. It covers the pivotal year of 1936 when the world was poised on the brink of WWII and Britain was facing some difficult decisions. The book cover the major incidents which were affecting the country: the Jarrow march, the abdication of Edward VIII, Churchill's political position, Hitler's rise to power, unemployment, appeasement, and the Spanish Civil War. The author uses diaries and personal reminiscences of those who lived through this time and the research is impeccable. Although this was a troubled year, some of the author's observations are witty and always entertaining. I would recommend this book to any lover of British history.
December 23, 2011
Seventy five years ago this month King Edward VIII abidicated ending his short reign of 326 days in a year that saw three kings on the throne, and tested Britain's constitution and her politicians to near breaking point.
Denis Blakeway's book starts with national loss with King George V and Rudyard Kipling dying. It ends too reflecting on loss: that of a man who could have been a modernising king, young britons killed fighting in Spain and Crystal Palace, a national treasure, burning down.
In between there is much on the contitutional crisis that led to Edward's abdication, but the book is not solely about the king.
We read of the Berlin Olympics and Von Ribbentrop's ploys to woo British aristocracy at home and at the Games. The rise in living standards also features, as does the areas of poverty left behind by economic upturn: the king features here by visiting mining areas in Wales - more than the PM Stanley Baldwin ever did - to highlight the dreadful conditions the working (or unemployed perhaps) classes lived in.
We see George Orwell visiting Wigan as he embarks on his study of Northern Britain and what becomes his book The Road to Wigan Pier. The Jarrow March also features. It was a triumph of organisation and PR as it strove to remain non-political throughout its route.
I was surprised to learn that on the journey to London Labour controlled councils provided little in the way of encouragement and food, where as local Conservative administrations provided shelter, food and even dinners in the marchers' honour.
1936 also saw the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary, the Ideal Home Exhibition, trials of television and the birth of Mass Observation (the latter directly attributable to the abdication crisis).
The Spanish Civil war, Italian aggression in Abyssinia and the British Union of Fascists (BUF) feature too.
The war in Spain saw many young Britons go off to fight and - through poor (even none in some case) training, equipment and tactics - die.
The war also cememted people's views that a wider war against fascisim was to come as bombing of civilians and military support from Germany and Italy, as well as the gassing of Abyssinians, showed what might lie in the future - helped along by H.G Wells's screenplay of the film The Things to Come (based on his book The Shape of Things to Come).
At home the BUF dressed in Black quasi-Nazi uniforms pedalled their anti-Jewish messages, threats and real violence, which led to the battles between anti-fascists and the Police at Cable and Leman Streets where the BUF had wanted to march. This in turn led to the banning of uniformed organisations.
Admidst this though the foundations of the Nation Health Service and universal health care were already being laid - prior to Chamberlain's reforms of his premiership and of course the Beveridge report - as Blakeway covers the inception of a national midwifery programme through campaigns by people such as Lucy Baldwin, the wife of the PM Stanley Baldwin, that provided every women in Britian with access to a midwife.
The Last Dance is a book that through its frame of one year will mean some events other readers may wish were covered, but over its near 370 pages it gives a very good view of European and British events that bridge the first and second world wars.
Finally, it is also interesting to note Blakeway's thoughts that as Churchill so publiciy supported Edward VIII's postion he remained in the political wilderness, and thus in 1940 was untainted in any way by a ministerial post within Baldwin or Chamberlian's governments, enabling the hand of history to return him as Britain's leader and eventual saviour from Fascism.
Denis Blakeway's book starts with national loss with King George V and Rudyard Kipling dying. It ends too reflecting on loss: that of a man who could have been a modernising king, young britons killed fighting in Spain and Crystal Palace, a national treasure, burning down.
In between there is much on the contitutional crisis that led to Edward's abdication, but the book is not solely about the king.
We read of the Berlin Olympics and Von Ribbentrop's ploys to woo British aristocracy at home and at the Games. The rise in living standards also features, as does the areas of poverty left behind by economic upturn: the king features here by visiting mining areas in Wales - more than the PM Stanley Baldwin ever did - to highlight the dreadful conditions the working (or unemployed perhaps) classes lived in.
We see George Orwell visiting Wigan as he embarks on his study of Northern Britain and what becomes his book The Road to Wigan Pier. The Jarrow March also features. It was a triumph of organisation and PR as it strove to remain non-political throughout its route.
I was surprised to learn that on the journey to London Labour controlled councils provided little in the way of encouragement and food, where as local Conservative administrations provided shelter, food and even dinners in the marchers' honour.
1936 also saw the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary, the Ideal Home Exhibition, trials of television and the birth of Mass Observation (the latter directly attributable to the abdication crisis).
The Spanish Civil war, Italian aggression in Abyssinia and the British Union of Fascists (BUF) feature too.
The war in Spain saw many young Britons go off to fight and - through poor (even none in some case) training, equipment and tactics - die.
The war also cememted people's views that a wider war against fascisim was to come as bombing of civilians and military support from Germany and Italy, as well as the gassing of Abyssinians, showed what might lie in the future - helped along by H.G Wells's screenplay of the film The Things to Come (based on his book The Shape of Things to Come).
At home the BUF dressed in Black quasi-Nazi uniforms pedalled their anti-Jewish messages, threats and real violence, which led to the battles between anti-fascists and the Police at Cable and Leman Streets where the BUF had wanted to march. This in turn led to the banning of uniformed organisations.
Admidst this though the foundations of the Nation Health Service and universal health care were already being laid - prior to Chamberlain's reforms of his premiership and of course the Beveridge report - as Blakeway covers the inception of a national midwifery programme through campaigns by people such as Lucy Baldwin, the wife of the PM Stanley Baldwin, that provided every women in Britian with access to a midwife.
The Last Dance is a book that through its frame of one year will mean some events other readers may wish were covered, but over its near 370 pages it gives a very good view of European and British events that bridge the first and second world wars.
Finally, it is also interesting to note Blakeway's thoughts that as Churchill so publiciy supported Edward VIII's postion he remained in the political wilderness, and thus in 1940 was untainted in any way by a ministerial post within Baldwin or Chamberlian's governments, enabling the hand of history to return him as Britain's leader and eventual saviour from Fascism.
July 25, 2016
Denys Blakeway has taken Britain in a single year, 1936, and written a marvelous history. It's the best history book I've read this year in terms of writing and research. Maybe one of the best I've ever read. The book is not yet available in the US; I read a copy I had sent to me from the UK.
The year 1936 was the fulcrum year in the 1930's. The year began with the death of King George V in January, which was an "orchestrated death", easing the ailing monarch to the next world in time to make coverage in "The Times", the newspaper deemed best to announce the King's death. His son, David, ascended to the throne, a most reluctant king. He was deeply-in-passion with twice married American, Wallis Simpson. The year would end with David - now known as Edward VIII - and his abdication. But what a busy year and Blakeway makes the most of events in between.
The fulcrum effect in Britain was the dawning realisation that no matter how much a future war would be regretted after the horrors of WW1, war with Germany was almost a certainty. Hitler's advance into the Ruhr Valley, in clear violation of the Versailles Treaty, brought home the fact that Hitler would need to be stopped, eventually. Italy's Mussolini's taking over of Ethiopia and the Spanish Civil War were also rude wake-up calls to the British government that war was likely.
Blakeway covers the economic situation in Britain as well has he does the political and social ones. The country was beginning to emerge from the depths of the world-wide Depression but there was still wide-spread poverty and long-lasting unemployment in pockets of the country. A march by the unemployed men from Jarrow, a former ship building city in north east England fallen on hard times, was led by fiery MP Ellen Wilkinson. The men, who marched from Jarrow to London, were a passionate reminder of the large pockets of Britain still brought low by the Depression. Ironically, unemployment was eventually reduced by Britain's entering WW2 in 1939 and the ensuing war effort.
Although Blakeway writes quite a bit about the Abdication and the events which preceded it, he also focuses on other politicians. Winston Churchill - still in the depth of his years in the political "Wilderness" - is contrasted with the serving PM, Stanley Baldwin. Churchill supports the King's marriage position, largely as a possible way to return to power if the Baldwin government falls. Baldwin is seen as trying to avoid trouble by basically ignoring problems til they passed. One thing he couldn't avoid dealing with, of course, was Edward's affair with the most unsuitable Mrs Simpson. The court was split; many people supporting Edward's attempt to modernise the monarchy, while others fought back. Britain's connection with Germany was also a source of bitter disagreement within the Baldwin government and various members of society who encouraged closer relations with Hitler, often by personal, off-the-record, visits to Germany. But 1936 was really the year that any pretense of Germany NOT harboring thoughts of war were ended. From then on, war seemed inevitable.
One of Blakeway's most interesting tidbits was disclosed with the opening in 2003 of certain documents from 1936 that were originally supposed to remain unopened til 2037. When Stanley Baldwin was "negotiating" with Edward on his future as king, Baldwin told Edward that the Dominions - Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc - would be totally against having Edward making a morganatic marriage with Mrs Simpson, thus keeping his throne. That fact, as presented by Baldwin to Edward, was a deciding factor in Edward's decision to abdicate. But, these recently disclosed documents reveal that most of the Dominion governments - aside from Australia - were, in fact, NOT against the morganatic marriage. Baldwin out-and-out lied to Edward.
Blakeway's book is simply history writing at its best and is a great addition to your to-read list.
The year 1936 was the fulcrum year in the 1930's. The year began with the death of King George V in January, which was an "orchestrated death", easing the ailing monarch to the next world in time to make coverage in "The Times", the newspaper deemed best to announce the King's death. His son, David, ascended to the throne, a most reluctant king. He was deeply-in-passion with twice married American, Wallis Simpson. The year would end with David - now known as Edward VIII - and his abdication. But what a busy year and Blakeway makes the most of events in between.
The fulcrum effect in Britain was the dawning realisation that no matter how much a future war would be regretted after the horrors of WW1, war with Germany was almost a certainty. Hitler's advance into the Ruhr Valley, in clear violation of the Versailles Treaty, brought home the fact that Hitler would need to be stopped, eventually. Italy's Mussolini's taking over of Ethiopia and the Spanish Civil War were also rude wake-up calls to the British government that war was likely.
Blakeway covers the economic situation in Britain as well has he does the political and social ones. The country was beginning to emerge from the depths of the world-wide Depression but there was still wide-spread poverty and long-lasting unemployment in pockets of the country. A march by the unemployed men from Jarrow, a former ship building city in north east England fallen on hard times, was led by fiery MP Ellen Wilkinson. The men, who marched from Jarrow to London, were a passionate reminder of the large pockets of Britain still brought low by the Depression. Ironically, unemployment was eventually reduced by Britain's entering WW2 in 1939 and the ensuing war effort.
Although Blakeway writes quite a bit about the Abdication and the events which preceded it, he also focuses on other politicians. Winston Churchill - still in the depth of his years in the political "Wilderness" - is contrasted with the serving PM, Stanley Baldwin. Churchill supports the King's marriage position, largely as a possible way to return to power if the Baldwin government falls. Baldwin is seen as trying to avoid trouble by basically ignoring problems til they passed. One thing he couldn't avoid dealing with, of course, was Edward's affair with the most unsuitable Mrs Simpson. The court was split; many people supporting Edward's attempt to modernise the monarchy, while others fought back. Britain's connection with Germany was also a source of bitter disagreement within the Baldwin government and various members of society who encouraged closer relations with Hitler, often by personal, off-the-record, visits to Germany. But 1936 was really the year that any pretense of Germany NOT harboring thoughts of war were ended. From then on, war seemed inevitable.
One of Blakeway's most interesting tidbits was disclosed with the opening in 2003 of certain documents from 1936 that were originally supposed to remain unopened til 2037. When Stanley Baldwin was "negotiating" with Edward on his future as king, Baldwin told Edward that the Dominions - Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc - would be totally against having Edward making a morganatic marriage with Mrs Simpson, thus keeping his throne. That fact, as presented by Baldwin to Edward, was a deciding factor in Edward's decision to abdicate. But, these recently disclosed documents reveal that most of the Dominion governments - aside from Australia - were, in fact, NOT against the morganatic marriage. Baldwin out-and-out lied to Edward.
Blakeway's book is simply history writing at its best and is a great addition to your to-read list.
December 22, 2020
If you want to really dig into the history behind one of the worst wars ever, 1936 is the revelatory year, something I had not realized. It was a signficant time period far more than is commonly realized and in reading this I not only learned more of this history, but of other poignant historical events which were occuring, and all seemingly played into what became a worldwide tragedy. As countries were, one by one, being absorbed by Hitler and his evil regime, Great Britain began to awaken and there was stark terror. Reading this detailed account, I felt I was there.
June 6, 2024
I picked this book up at a book store the first time I visited London in 2012 - finally got around to reading it :)
There is a lot of fascinating information in this book, including some fun pictures.
Glad I own it so I could underline things and write in definitions for words that I am/was unfamiliar with!
There is a lot of fascinating information in this book, including some fun pictures.
Glad I own it so I could underline things and write in definitions for words that I am/was unfamiliar with!
September 8, 2013
Although the author uses quotes from contemporary diarists and memoirs, this is very much a history written with hindsight, informed and well researched hindsight. It is written in a pleasant, informative, well argued style, with enough information to get a good overall picture, but not so much detail that it becomes overwhelming. It covers the abdication crisis, the looming threat of fascism, the Spanish Civil War and the Berlin Olympics but also a few of the trends of the time which were later regarded as culturally significant.
The economic and political situation is explained well and it was easy to see why appeasement and gradual rearmament was seen by most politicians as the correct strategy at the time: more aggressive policies would have taken Britain into the war earlier and less prepared; higher defence spending would have cut social reform even more than it was.
Two quotes from chapter 11, Mrs Baldwin Delivers, about the Midwives Act:
"He (Neville Chamberlain) entered public life, he often said, 'to improve the condition of the people'. As Minister of Health in the 1920s he established a reputation as 'the most effective social reformer of the interwar years', introducing twenty-four measures in five years to improve the conditions of the poor."
"The legislation that year (1936) was the government's sole piece of effective social reform. Neville Chamberlain wanted to do more as the economy strengthened. But as the international situation worsened, available resources had to be diverted to defence. It was a personal tragedy. He recalled on his death-bed that the demands of rearmament had robbed him of the opportunity to 'enter on a new era of social improvement'. The Midwives Act was, at least, one lasting achievement."
If I have one quibble with the book, it is that almost every pro-Nazi mentioned by name was American (US), or someone very strongly influenced by one (such as King Edward VIII, in thrall to Wallis Simpson, although Hitler's support for Edward seems to have been much greater than Edward's for Hitler). Britain did have a few of its own, apart from female members of the Mitford family.
Quote from chapter 15, The Berlin Olympics:
"...in 1936 he (Hitler) must have gained a thorough knowledge of the style and manner of the upper-class Briton. Few foreign leaders can have willingly entertained so many Old Etonians in so short a time to so little effect."
The economic and political situation is explained well and it was easy to see why appeasement and gradual rearmament was seen by most politicians as the correct strategy at the time: more aggressive policies would have taken Britain into the war earlier and less prepared; higher defence spending would have cut social reform even more than it was.
Two quotes from chapter 11, Mrs Baldwin Delivers, about the Midwives Act:
"He (Neville Chamberlain) entered public life, he often said, 'to improve the condition of the people'. As Minister of Health in the 1920s he established a reputation as 'the most effective social reformer of the interwar years', introducing twenty-four measures in five years to improve the conditions of the poor."
"The legislation that year (1936) was the government's sole piece of effective social reform. Neville Chamberlain wanted to do more as the economy strengthened. But as the international situation worsened, available resources had to be diverted to defence. It was a personal tragedy. He recalled on his death-bed that the demands of rearmament had robbed him of the opportunity to 'enter on a new era of social improvement'. The Midwives Act was, at least, one lasting achievement."
If I have one quibble with the book, it is that almost every pro-Nazi mentioned by name was American (US), or someone very strongly influenced by one (such as King Edward VIII, in thrall to Wallis Simpson, although Hitler's support for Edward seems to have been much greater than Edward's for Hitler). Britain did have a few of its own, apart from female members of the Mitford family.
Quote from chapter 15, The Berlin Olympics:
"...in 1936 he (Hitler) must have gained a thorough knowledge of the style and manner of the upper-class Briton. Few foreign leaders can have willingly entertained so many Old Etonians in so short a time to so little effect."
June 6, 2021
2021- such a well written book, with an excellent flow and style. What a pivotal year.
11th - 15th June 2015 Brilliant
2011 - My favourite era, the 1930's. 1936 is the year of the three kings to me, but of course much, much more happened. Although that is the main focus, it isn't just an chronological analysis of the year. A brilliant read.
11th - 15th June 2015 Brilliant
2011 - My favourite era, the 1930's. 1936 is the year of the three kings to me, but of course much, much more happened. Although that is the main focus, it isn't just an chronological analysis of the year. A brilliant read.
January 8, 2015
That rarest of things: readable, well-written history.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews