The great strength of Chris Cook's party history is that it is a work of reference and record. Dr Cook provides a highly readable narrative Those who need a reliable single volume history of the Liberal Party and the Liberal Democrats from 1900 onwards should have this tome on their shelves.
- Michael Meadowcroft, Liberal historian and MP for Leeds West, 1983-87
First published in 1976, Chris Cook's Short History of the Liberal Party remains a first point of reference for students of the modern party. This seventh edition brings the story up to date, charting a clear and perceptive course through the turbulent leaderships of Kennedy, Campbell and Clegg to the party's triumphal return to government following the General Election of 2010.
- David Dutton, Ramsay Muir Emeritus Professor of Modern History, University of Liverpool, UK