The Passionate Economist

“This book has many of the qualities possessed by Brian Abel-Smith, its subject: lively, stimulating and committed. Brian was a citizen of the world, one who not only bridged international boundaries but also those of policy, politics and academe. And Sally Sheard has done this remarkable man justice by producing a remarkable biography.” Professor Julian Le Grand, London School of Economics and Political Science

“As a result of her exhaustive research and with insightful writing, Sally Sheard brings readers the life and work of an influential activist intellectual. Brian Abel-Smith set standards for conducting research on health services and systems, advising policymakers, governing healthcare organizations, and participating in an international network dedicated to improving the human condition.” Professor Daniel M. Fox, Milbank Memorial Fund

"With narrative verve Sheard...chart[s] a tantalising route map for future scholars [and]...stimulates salutary reflection for all concerned to make history more policy relevant." Social History of Medicine Advance Access

“This fascinating book brought Brian alive again for me. I knew him only in the later stages of his career, but the text made me recall his warmth, personal support and incisive mind.” Professor Anne Mills, Vice Director, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Professor of Health Economics and Policy

"This clearly written and wide-ranging volume provides powerful evidence as to why Brian Abel-Smith...should be regarded as one of the titans of post-1945 social administration." Journal of Social Policy

"The biography stimulates salutary reflection for all of us concerned to make history more policy relevant." Social History of Medicine.

"Sheard provides powerful evidence as to why Brian Abel-Smith, through his incisive and influential contributions to the development of health and social welfare policy both in Britain and further afield, should be regarded as one of the titans of post-1945 social administration." Journal of Social Policy

“How 'academic' knowledge and research actually impact on policy has always been a challenging question. Brian Abel-Smith's career as a scholar, networker, entrepreneur and shaper of global health and welfare systems provides a fascinating and important case-study. In skilfully weaving together the evidence from personal and professional archives, Sally Sheard's book allows us to understand much more about a man who had an extraordinary influence on public policy.” Professor Ann Oakley, Institute of Education, University of London

"As the dismantling of the NHS, as we have known it, proceeds apace, this biography brings alive a pivotal figure in its development since the 1950s. It reminds us of the strengths of the health and social welfare systems which we have taken too much for granted. Hopefully it will help inspire their reinstatement." Lord David Owen

"Sheard's biography is a pleasure to read and a fascinating account of the public intellectual role that Brian Abel-Smith played in welfare state policy and politics both at home and abroad." Professor Ted Marmor, Yale University, US

Sally Sheard is a health and social policy historian at the University of Liverpool, and Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She also works as a consultant providing local authorities with historical context on contemporary health issues and has appeared on various TV and radio programmes, including BBC4's documentary series Health before the NHS. She is the author of (with Liam Donaldson) The Nation’s Doctor: The role of the Chief Medical Officer, 1855-1998 (Oxford, Radcliffe Medical, 2005), and a member of the editorial team of History & Policy.

Part 1: Inheritances and duties, 1926-51;

Inheritances: 1926-46;

A wider world: 1946-51;

Part 2: The politics of policies, 1951-79;

Beveridge’s Britain: 1951-55;

Political ambitions and private passions: 1955-59;

Health and happiness: 1956-64;

Lingua franca: 1956-67;

Distractions and diversions: 1964-68;

Values: 1968-70;

Patriarchy and authority: 1970-74;

'Such marvellous fun': 1974-76;

Disillusionment: 1976-79;

International commuting: 1975-79;

Part 3: Shifting the balance of power, 1979-96;

In and outers: 1979-91;

The end of the party: 1979-90;

On the move: 1990-96;

Epilogue: Stories, histories and biographies.