Peter Hennessy is widely acknowledged to be one of the most entertaining British historians now writing. But the subject of his new book is far from conventionally engaging. Based on primary archival research and interviews with participants, for which Hennessy is also renowned, it examines in detail the top-secret retaliation procedures that were put in place should the UK be attacked in a nuclear war, and what the planners thought the consequences of such a war might be. Using recently declassified material from the Joint ...
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Peter Hennessy is widely acknowledged to be one of the most entertaining British historians now writing. But the subject of his new book is far from conventionally engaging. Based on primary archival research and interviews with participants, for which Hennessy is also renowned, it examines in detail the top-secret retaliation procedures that were put in place should the UK be attacked in a nuclear war, and what the planners thought the consequences of such a war might be. Using recently declassified material from the Joint Intelligence Committee and its analysts, Hennessy reconstructs the picture of the Soviet threat that was presented to ministers from the last days of the Second World War to the 1960s. He maps the size and shape of the Cold War state which was built in response to that perceived threat, and traces the arguments which successive generations of ministers, the military and civil servants have used to justify the British nuclear capability. In which circumstances would the Prime Minister authorize the use of nuclear force and how would his orders be carried out? At which stage in a thermonuclear exchange would the government and the country break down? Who would have gone underground with the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet and where was the immensely secret installation they would have gone to? What was the Queen told - and when - about the possible end of her kingdom? The memory of these questions, and of the nuclear threat over their lives, is still very vivid to every adult in Britain. Peter Hennessy provides the best answers we have yet had to them.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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Very good. Sixth printing with dust jacket + written on first title page in biro p129 x 139 A/bonds-Rare and Collectable-will send out 1st class post within 12 hours of receipt of order.
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1st edn 1st printing. 8vo. Original gilt lettered black cloth (VG), dustwrapper (VG, price clipped). Pp. xxi + 233, illus with b&w plates (previous owner's gift inscription on verso of front endpaper).
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Very Good in Very Good jacket. 6th edition. The dust jacket is a little shelf rubbed. Tightly bound and presented beautifully in cellophane. The text within the book is clear. The binding is excellent. GK.