In Place of Fear

by Aneurin Bevan

Aneurin Bevan, socialist, democrat, individualist, was the most fascinating of politicians; In Place of Fear was his only book. It is a series of superbly written chapters on many of the key issues faced by the Labour movement in Parliament, and his perceptions remain directly relevant today. It should be read by anyone who wishes to understand the struggles and achievements of our social democracy.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Medicine, Health, Philosophy

203 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Aneurin "Nye" Bevan was a Welsh politician and member of the British Labour Party who was the Minister for Health in the post-war Attlee government from 1945 to 1951. The son of a coal miner, Bevan was a lifelong champion of social justice and the rights of working people. He was a long-time Member of Parliament (MP), representing Ebbw Vale in southern Wales for 31 years. He was one of the chief spokesmen for the Labour party’s left wing, and of left-wing British thought generally. His most famous accomplishment came when, as Minister of Health, he spearheaded the establishment of the National Health Service, which was to provide medical care free at point-of-need to all Britons.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear headed, powerful, decent, hinting towards the only way of living honestly that I know of. Socialism is not the demon you have been taught it is. Take it from one of the men who made the NHS happen.

[DeterminedStupor · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

[Herrholz Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The formation of the Labour Party in the UK can be seen as a direct result of the Industrial Revolution which also had its origins in this corner of the world. As people were drawn from the fields and into industry, the need for worker representation eventually became essential. This book sheds some light on this labour movement and the author Aneurin Bevan was an important figure in the party and played a key role in the formation of the National Health Service.
The book was written in 1952 and so serves best as a historical work and provides a valuable point of view from a central politician active in the party at that time. This historical perspective is invaluable when attempting to understand the present day British political and social climate.
The author describes his own experience of induction in to Parliament and how after he had composed a thoughtful and pointed maiden speech, and expecting a lively debate to ensue, he was merely rebuffed by an opponent who exclaimed how he was looking forward to many lively debates in the future based on the strength of that maiden speech. We are perhaps fortunate in the UK that we now have Parliament TV and so the art of debate can be followed from the comfort of our own homes.
`In place of fear` would seem to be an allusion to the idea that the national health service takes away the anxiety which might exist in a society where access to healthcare depends on one`s ability to pay for it and as Aneurin Bevan was instrumental in the inception of the National Health Service in the UK, I was expecting to find more about this in the book. The title of the book may also be a suggestion that Socialism offers peace of mind in contrast to the more prevalent capitalist leanings of Western democracies. Much of the book is concerned with the authors views on areas such as unemployment and industrial production and because it was written in 1952, much of it will now be out of date. But some of it is still pertinent today such as the question of the ongoing tensions in global politics and the arms race.
The final chapter is entitled `Democratic Socialism` and makes the case for this political philosophy. British Labour Party politician Peter Hain, classifies Democratic Socialism and Libertarian Socialism as a form of anti-authoritarian socialism from below, in contrast to authoritarian and state socialism.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fascinating insight into his principles and ethics. His analysis of the 1940s was what grew up with. The chapter on the NHS and housing was for me the most interesting part of the whole book His looking into the future reminded me that we don’t have a clue about changes after our time and the difference between principles and practical policies. He would turn in his grave to see Thatcher looming ahead. I had an imaginary conversation with him about all he wrote

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for anyone that doesn't understand how Democratic Socialism works. The author lays out facts on how beneficial this form of democracy can be. It is truly an educational read.

[Ian Fryer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a verbose plod, but the core messages of In Place of Fear are incredibly modern and up to date for a book written in 1952.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bevan I love you.

[Lucas Bertholdi-Saad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of real brilliance. All trade unionists should read it! Though stronger in the start!

[Glyn Gasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, by the person who started the NHS, was written in the 1950's but is still very relevant. Dropped a star because some of it is a bit dry.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for all socialists.

[Tracy Hudson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very difficult read to understand the formative ideas behind the UK National Healthcare System.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigued by the current problems with the NHS I decided to go back to source to see whether I could discover what Bevan might have made of the current situation - a massively expanded service from when he brought the welfare state into being but many of the same challenges he faced. I found an original 1952 paperback on-line and am reading it turn and turn about with a copy of Jennie Lee's account of her life with Bevan. She outlived him for many years (in fact I saw her speak at a meeting in Cannock in the 1960s) and I wondered whether her book had any different perspectives.

[Rachel Stevenson]

Self-help book.