Whatever Happened to Tradition?: History, Belonging and the Future of the West

I KNEW TIM STANLEY WHEN I WAS A MEP. WONDERFUL WRITER FABULOUS PERSON. KEEP THEM COMING LADY ELIZABETH DREW

This is a good book but I did hope for better. It is insightful, if brief, in its analysis of key historic milestones. The arguments for tradition do not regurgitate predictable conservative rhetoric that can be found in innumerable other books, which is refreshing. It doesn't really get going until chapter 3 and a lot is covered in the book as a whole. This has meant that, in places, detail is sacrificed in order to address many topics. In short, worth reading but only alongside other complementary books (the works of Scruton or Douglas Murray for example).

It is not my idea of reading material but my husband loves it. He heard about it on the radio and felt he must have it. So I bought it for him and he was very happy and it has kept him occupied after his evening meal when he sits and reads to unwind from his working day.

I read this in about 3 days. It is fluently and persuasively written and covers most aspects of Tradition and why we need it.It should be essential reading for all politicians of the left, right and centre who sometimes show either no awareness of the importance of tradition or simply think that it has no contemporary relevance.The final chapter on Tradition and Faith is a heartfelt, personal testimony to the author's ultimately optimistic view of our future, based on his Christian faith.Strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in both the past and how we came to where we are now.

It is rare indeed for a book genuinely to be important, but this one really is. Tim Stanley writes in a highly readable manner that means his learning is worn lightly. Yet there is a real backbone to the book. Stanley outlines the role and importance of tradition in several spheres of our lives. His argument is totally coherent, but there are surprises. Tradition is not always what it seems. Devoid of bigotry and full of good humour without ever pandering, I cannot imagine anyone curious or intelligent failing to find it worthwhile, whatever their political point of view.

This book is better for dipping into than for reading straight through. There is something of interest on every page but many of the arguments lack coherence and there is a thread of disconcertingly personal matter about the author’s relationship with his father which might have been better left out. The footnotes show an impressive width of reading. A book for one’s guest bedroom or possibly the loo.

This is essential reading to anyone who values history and the lessons it can give us if we would only listen. Brilliantly written, a good interesting read from cover to cover, well researched as one would expect from a person trained to Ph.D level in history. This book is needed to counterbalance the awful 'cancel culture' we are being subjected to. A knowledge of our past has never been more important. Thank you Tim for this book and your many valuable and insightful comments in the media.

It is another and different approach to history and traditions which flies against the popular jargon churned out by the press and media of the day.