The Culture of Secrecy Britain, 1832-1998 [Hardcover]

This is the first, comprehensive study of the culture of secrecy in modern British history. Accessibly written, it places current controversies over privacy and confidentiality, secrecy and openness, integrity and public trust, in the context of the development of the liberal state since 1832.

Bibliography
Index
1. The Problem of Secrecy
2. Honourable Secrecy 1832-1870
3. The Road to Regulation, 1870-1911
4. Public Knowledge, 1911-1945
5. Citizenship and Secrecy, 1945-1972
6. Secrecy and Reform, 1972-1989
7. The British Way
Afterword

Vincent's excellent book explores a difficult topic with consummate skill....the author treats the last part of this century with a sensitive ear for hypocrisy on both Left and Right. Above all, his admirably concise prose encapsulates the tensions and ambiguities of his subject. --Choice

[H]is study is remarkably complete....The greatest virtue of this book is surely its thoroughness...the book is clearly written and functions well both as a reference work for those with specific questions about the operation of secrecy and as a more general account of the management of information in modern Britain....This book will be of tremendous use to anyone wishing to unravel the intricate codes and laws that underlay Britain's 150-year commitment to the idea of secrecy. --The Journal of Modern History

David Vincentis Professor of Social History and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Keele.