Gladstone and the Logic of Victorian Politics

By (author) Ian St John

Publication date:

01 November 2010

Length of book:

464 pages

Publisher

Anthem Press

ISBN-13: 9781843313946

This book provides a thorough analysis of the political career of William Gladstone, one of the most intriguing figures in modern British history. ‘Gladstone and the Logic of Victorian Politics’ captures the incredible richness of Gladstone’s political journey, tracing his evolution from Tory defender of a theocratic Anglican state to great reforming Liberal Prime Minister, always prepared to champion the ‘masses against the classes’. Each stage in Gladstone’s development is assessed in the light of recent historiographical debates and his own fascinating explanations of his conduct.

Introduction; The Young Tory; From High Tory to Reforming Peelite 1841-51; The Struggle for Peelite Finance 1851-1855; Years of Decision 1855-59; Gladstonian Finance 1859-1866; The Ascent to Leadership 1865-1868; 'I Ascend a Steepening Path': Prime Minister 1868-74; Gladstone’s Foreign Policy 1868-1880; Gladstonian Liberalism; Gladstone's Second Government 1880-1885: Foreign and Domestic Policy; Gladstone and Ireland 1880-1885; Gladstone and Irish Home Rule; Gladstone, 1886-1898: Raging against the Dying of the Light; Gladstone: A Study in Victorian Dialectic; Notes; Bibliography; Index

'In this lucid, clearly-organised and engaging study, Ian St John explores the intellectual convictions, religious beliefs and powerful impulses which shaped the complex temperament and extraordinary career of William Gladstone, the dominating political presence of 19th century Britain. Drawing on the latest research, St John presents a convincing and compelling portrait of the Victorian statesman who defined the aspirations and anxieties of his age, thereby providing a valuable and timely guide for all students of the period.' —Dr Angus Hawkins, Director, Public & International Programmes, Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, England