Leonard, R. L. (Richard Lawrence), author.
London New York : I.B. Tauris, 2013.
Added to CLICnet on 10/20/2014

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Notes:

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 215-218) and index.
• Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone are without doubt the two most iconic figures of Victorian politics. Their distinctly different personalities and policies led to 28 years of bitter political rivalry. For the first time, this book provides the full story of their rivalry and its origins, comparing the upbringing, education and personalities of the two leaders, as well as their political careers. Dick Leonard considers the impact of religion on the two men, their contrasting oratorical skills, their attitudes to political and social reform, foreign affairs and imperialism as well as their relations with Queen Victoria. In their private lives he sheds new light on Gladstone’s guilt-ridden obsession with ‘reforming’ prostitutes, and Disraeli’s almost completely successful efforts to conceal the existence of two illegitimate children. Providing important new perspectives on the two towering political characters of the Victorian Age, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in nineteenth century British history and politics. –Publisher’s website.
• Prologue : The night of 16-17 December 1852 — Benjamin Disraeli, ealy life, 1804-41 — William Ewart Gladstone, early life, 1809-41 — Peel and the great Tory split, 1841-7 — Party realignment. 1847-52 — The Palmerston era begins, 1853-8 — Derby again, but then Pam goes on and on … 1858-65 — The struggle for reform, 1865-8 — Power at last, 1868-74 — The rise and fall of Beaconsfieldism, 1874-81 — Gladstone alone, 1881-98 — The final reckoning.

Subjects:

• Great Britain — Politics and government — 1837-1901.
• Gladstone, W. E. (William Ewart), 1809-1898.
• Disraeli, Benjamin, 1804-1881.
• Prime ministers — Great Britain — History — 19th century.

Requested by deVries, J