A Strong Supporting Cast

The story of the Shaw Lefevres family reveals that stratum of the ruling class which directly underpinned the highest levels of political leadership for almost 150 years of British history. Drawing upon a wide range of private papers, Dr Willson recreates the social and domestic setting of a persistent, ambitious, "new" landed family, whose members included the first Principal to Somerville, a Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, a Speaker of the House of Commons, a Cabinet Minister, and others of rank and position. This book is both a collective, family biography and illustration of public and private centres of power and influence. Willson's other books include "The Organisation of British Central Government, 1914-56" and "Administration in Action".