Encyclopaedia of British and Irish political organisations

Peter Barbaris et al, Pinter, 562 pages, hardback, £90.00

This massive book provides quick and easy reference to all the political organisations and movements which the editors consider to have had any real significance in the 20th century, including those of earlier origin. Over 2,500 organisations are included. Thus the editors say it stands as a monument to the 20th century reflecting the full richness and variety of organised political activity. The net has been cast wide to include organisations whose primary activities are not in any ordinary sense "political" but which, occasionally, have had a presence in the political arena, for example the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The main trade unions are adequately covered but the entry for the Labour Research Department is rather short, failing to name its main publications or the extent of its affiliations.