Anthony Sampson (1926–2004)

Sul frontespizio della copertina di questo libro appare la data del mese di dicembre dell'anno del Signore 1962, oltre mezzo secolo fa. Tempo opportuno per ricordare, per non dimenticare cose che non sfumano nella memoria tanto facilmente.

Chi scrive aveva poco più di venti anni. Sulla data c'è una dedica che cercherò di trascrivere fedelmente: "En estos tiempos de estudio, un àngulo me basta entre mis lares, con un libro y un buen amigo. Con afecto y amistad. Salvador Rodriguez".

Era stato appena pubblicato questo libro. Con varie edizioni e aggiornamenti, sarebbe poi diventato un bestseller. Quella nazione, quello stato, quel popolo e quella lingua di cui lo scrittore e giornalista Anthony Sampson si occupava, noi ospiti lavoratori stranieri, volevamo conoscere e studiare. Salvador ed io eravamo due dei tanti giovani provenienti dal Continente e altrove, anche da posti ben più lontani, capitati in quel posto che nessuno di noi avrebbe mai pensato di scegliere per mantenersi da vivere.

Venuti a lavorare in un ospedale che, con una denominazione oggi superata e per il tempo di oggi, poco "culturally correct", veniva definito: "Harperbury Hospital for Mentally Handicapped People", tradotto voleva dire un manicomio per malati non solo mentali ma anche fisici. Salvador era uno spagnolo, scappato dalla Spagna, quasi un rifugiato politico che mal sopportava il Generale Francisco Franco, al tempo dittatore al governo della Spagna.

Entrambi c'eravamo iscritti ad un corso di lingua, cultura e civiltà al Metropolitan College di St. Albans, a nord di Londra, l'antica Verulamium fondata dai Romani ... (in progress ...)

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"The Anatomy of Britain" was a seminal work that helped to shape public discourse and understanding of British society in the 20th century. The book's detailed analysis of the country's power structures and institutions provided a framework for understanding the workings of British society and politics.

One of the key contributions of the book was its focus on the role of the establishment in British society. Sampson argued that a small, interconnected group of people held disproportionate power and influence in British politics, business, and cultural life. This idea of an entrenched "establishment" became a widely accepted concept in British society and has remained a topic of debate and discussion to this day.

In addition, "The Anatomy of Britain" helped to spark a wider debate about the need for reform in British society. Sampson's analysis highlighted the ways in which the country's institutions were often resistant to change and in need of modernization. This helped to lay the groundwork for a series of social and political reforms in the decades that followed, including changes to the education system, healthcare, and workers' rights.

Overall, "The Anatomy of Britain" had a profound impact on British society, helping to shape the way people thought about power, politics, and social change. The book's influence is still felt today, and it remains a classic work of social and political analysis.

"The Anatomy of Britain" was published in 1962, and its analysis of British society and its institutions helped to pave the way for a number of significant reforms in the years that followed. Some of the specific reforms that were implemented in Britain during this period include:

1. Education reform: The book highlighted the need for greater investment in education and the modernization of the country's school system. In response, the British government of the day introduced a number of education reforms, including the introduction of comprehensive schools and the expansion of higher education.

2. Healthcare reform: Sampson's analysis also drew attention to the inequalities in the British healthcare system and the need for greater investment in public health. In response, the government introduced a number of reforms, including the establishment of the National Health Service and the introduction of new public health initiatives.

3. Workers' rights: The book also highlighted the need for greater protection of workers' rights and the importance of trade unions in promoting fair labor practices. This helped to spur a series of reforms, including the introduction of minimum wage laws and the strengthening of workers' rights.

4. Political reform: Sampson's analysis of the British political system and its institutions helped to stimulate a wider debate about the need for political reform. This ultimately led to the introduction of a number of significant changes, including the abolition of the House of Lords' power to veto legislation and the introduction of new voting rights for women and minorities.

Overall, "The Anatomy of Britain" helped to shape public opinion and government policy in a number of important ways, and its influence can still be seen today in the way that British society and politics operate.… (altro)