This is a pioneering comparative study of the early years of the British Labour Party and the German Social Democratic Party. Stefan Berger examines the history of both parties over thrity years, focusing in particular on their organization, their relations with the state, their ideology, their cultural and recreational activities, and their relationship with each other. Dr Berger argues that the traditional view of deep-seated cultural and ideological differences between British and European Labour movements is in need of substantial revision. Based on a wealth of primary sources from both Britain and Germany, the book's controversial conclusions will open up a new perspective on old debates.