Cold War Britain: Fifty Years in the Shadow of the Bomb

‘A powerful and timely book’ PETER KENNARD

'Really good read' DERMOT O'LEARY

'Tremendous…it strikes me it fills a gap somehow' AL MURRAY

Delve into the history, politics, literature and popular culture that defined the Cold War era.

The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain is an exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of Britain’s experience during the Cold War era.

By weaving together history, politics, literature, and popular culture, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cold War Britain, offering fresh insights and perspectives into how this global conflict shaped the fabric of British society. Matching superb narrative storytelling with scholarly analysis and visually stunning photography from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, this book gives a fascinating insight into a pivotal period in world history.

Chapter One: Origins

Dive into the tumultuous aftermath of World War II, where Britain grappled with its status as a world power amidst economic devastation. Explore pivotal moments such as the carving up of Europe and the influential voices of figures like Orwell and Churchill in defining the Cold War era.

Chapter Two: The Special Relationship

Uncover the deep political and cultural ties between the UK and the USA, navigating through testing times that nevertheless strengthened their bond. Examine how this special relationship influenced Britain’s Cold War trajectory.

Chapter Three: The Bomb

Engage in the debates surrounding Britain’s pursuit of an independent nuclear deterrent, amidst the backdrop of cloak-and-dagger intrigue epitomised by the Cambridge Spies. Explore the moral dilemmas and strategic imperatives that shaped Britain’s nuclear policy.

Chapter Four: The Peace Movement

Delve into the grassroots movements advocating for peace amidst Cold War tensions. Through oral histories and archival photographs, witness the voices and faces of those who sought to challenge the status quo, examining the establishment of CND, Aldermaston, and Greenham Common.

Chapter Five: Hot Wars

Explore Britain’s entanglements in global conflicts with a Cold War context, from Cyprus and Korea to Northern Ireland and the Falklands. How did Britain avoid the quagmire of Vietnam? Uncover the geopolitical complexities and ideological battles that defined these conflicts.

Chapter Six: Popular Culture

Experience the Cold War through the lens of popular culture, from the dystopian visions of George Orwell to the glamorous espionage of James Bond. Explore how cultural artifacts reflected and influenced public perceptions of the Cold War era.

Chapter Seven: Endings and Legacies

Navigate through the tumultuous events that marked the end of the Cold War, from Thatcher and Gorbachev to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Reflect on the lasting legacies of this era and examine how institutions like the Imperial War Museums interpret and commemorate the Cold War.