Ivor Bulmer-Thomas (1905–1993)

2074 The Growth of the British Party System Volume I 1640-1923, by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas (read 19 Apr 1987) This is an excellent book. It covers the period from 1640 to 1923. The early years are quickly gotten through, and the later years are very detailed. I found the details of the years 1918-1923, which I knew little of, most interesting. I have read so much on the years 1906-1918 that the account of those years added little new, though I think I should read Mr. Balfour's Poodle, since George Dangerfield is a great writer. This book I have just read was written in 1965, and does a very good job on its subject. It is, as I said, an excellent book.… (mais)

2075 The Growth of the British Party System Volume II 1924-1964, by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas (read 20 Apr 1987) I found this book unfailingly absorbing. The election of 29 Oct 1924, influenced by the Zimoviev letter, resulted in a massive Conservative victory (413 Conservatives to 150 Labour and 40 Liberals). Baldwin became Prime Minister. The next election was May 31, 1929, when Labour got 288 seats to Conservatives' 260 and 59 Liberals. McDonald became Prime Minister. The next election was Oct 27, 1931, and "The results also were the most astonishing in the history of the British party system." 473 Conservative to 46 Labour--"Never has such a massacre been seen in British political history." MacDonald organized the Government. On June 7, 1935 Baldwin became P.M. An election was held 14 Nov 1935: 391 Conservatives to 154 Labour, and 17 Liberals. [I went on to record in my note the results of each election thru 1964.] This is a magnificent book, and from its bibliography I listed six books I'd like to read. [I have never (yet) read a one of them, mostly because they are not readily available in the U.S.]… (mais)

This book and its companion are a real treat for the mathematician, even those who don't read Greek. It is fascinating to see how some of the great proofs were expressed, and what great minds accomplished within the strictures of the counting systems and lack of symbols, such as the proof that the square root of two is irrational. The ancient Greek notation for numbers is amazing, but requires a limited understanding of Greek to appreciate. By comparison, Roman numerals are logical and streamlined!… (mais)