'Despite attracting a massive number of publications over time, appeasement and British foreign policy remains, and will remain, a major historical topic for teaching and research purposes. Moreover, appeasement has become a central part of contemporary political vocabulary on both sides of the Atlantic in a manner focusing implicitly and explicitly on its feasibility and alternatives. Andrew David Stedman's book ... Read moretargets an aspect surprisingly overlooked or glossed over by existing publications, that is the feasibility of the alternatives to appeasement.' - Peter J. Beck, Emeritus Professor of International History, Kingston University; 'Andrew David Stedman's book on appeasement and British foreign policy in the interwar period represents a major new and important contribution to historical understanding of the subject. It is the first significant synthesis of competing historiographical approaches in recent years, and a clear presentation of the way in which contemporary discussions transformed themselves throughout the course of the 1930s. One of the central strengths of this work is its methodological and historical focus on the evolving discourse of appeasement. Stedman shows clearly the trajectory of the discussion about appeasement. In so doing, he charts implicitly both the declining fortunes of Chamberlain and his room for manoeuvre, and the rising likelihood of war. By illustrating how the discussion of appeasement developed, and how options were proposed, debated and tested, he also puts forward significant arguments relating to Chamberlain's tireless willingness to explore alternatives to war. While not overlooking his weaknesses, Stedman presents the moral complexities of Chamberlain's situation. This is the first study to take this approach, and represents an important contribution to the discussion and understanding of appeasement.' - John R. Davis, Professor of History and International relations, Kingston University Show Less