The author examines Britain's first application to join the European Community in 1961.

Introduction; 1. From separation to application: May 1950-July 1961; 2. Devising the rules of the game: August 1961-December 1961; 3. Setting the agenda: October 1961-March 1962; 4. Learning to advance - the search for a fruitful method: January 1962-July 1962; 5. A race against the clock - the tenth ministerial meeting: July 1962-August 1962; 6. Agricultural impasse: September 1962-December 1962; 7. The end of a chapter: January 1963; 8. Conclusion.