The book offers a comprehensive overview of the lives and careers of 24 British Prime Ministers, from Arthur Balfour to Boris Johnson. Each chapter is designed to be succinct and engaging, providing readers with informative insights into the political landscape and personal stories of these leaders. With a focus on both historical context and individual achievements, it serves as an entertaining resource for understanding modern British political history.
"Charles James Fox and William Pitt the Younger were the two political giants of their day - the greatest of orators, and the fiercest of rivals. But did the two men have anything in common? Each was a younger son of distinguished fathers, who themselves had been bitter rivals for power a generation earlier, and each came to prominence at a very young age. Temperamentally, however, they could hardly have been more different. Fox was genial, tolerant, gregarious, self-indulgent, rash, a reckless gambler and a drinking companion of the Prince of Wales (later the Prince Regent and George IV) whereas Pitt was cautious, self-controlled (though also a heavy drinker), calculating, ruthless and misanthropic. Their fates were heavily influenced by their respective relationships with George III, who formed an insensate hostility to Fox, using unconstitutional means to exclude him from power, while favouring Pitt, whom he appointed as Prime Minister at the age of 24, and maintained in office for 17 years (plus a further two years in his second administration). The result was that Fox enjoyed only three very short periods as Foreign Minister, and was effectively Leader of the Opposition for a record 23 years. But he did achieve a late triumph when, following the death of Pitt, he became the dominant member of the `Government of All the Talents' and lived long enough to be able to introduce the bill which abolished the slave trade. Featuring a wide cast of characters, this book sheds new light on the political landscape of Georgian England and two of the leading political players of the age."-- Publisher's description
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.
"Previously known as The Economist Guide to the European Union."
This omnibus edition of Dick Leonard's British Premiers trilogy, surveys the lives and careers of all the fifty-three Prime Ministers between Sir Robert Walpole (1721-42) and David Cameron (2010- ), bringing to life the political achievements and also the personal idiosyncrasies of Britain's rulers over nearly three centuries.
Walpole to Cameron
The book explores the history of the British Prime Minister's office, detailing the lives and careers of fifty-two men and one woman who have held the position over three centuries, from Sir Robert Walpole to David Cameron. It offers insights into their political achievements, challenges, and the evolving role of the Prime Minister in British governance. The omnibus edition provides a comprehensive overview, making it an essential read for those interested in British political history and leadership.
Focusing on the case for European integration, the book presents compelling arguments advocating for Britain's active participation in the European Union. It features contributions from notable figures like Milan Kundera and David Puttnam, enriching the discussion beyond mere political rhetoric. The text aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of the benefits of unity within Europe, emphasizing cultural and social dimensions alongside political considerations.
The Final Adoption of the Treaty of Lisbon gives the 27-member European Union new momentum as it enters the second decade of the 21st century, more that half a century since the six-member European Economic Community was established in 1957. That the countries of the euro area alone now account for a greater proportion of world exports of goods and services than the United States shows how far the EU has come and how, given strength and unity, it has the potential to provide a counterbalance between America and China. This revised and updated edition of this much-acclaimed guide to the working of the European Union is invaluable for anyone who wants to understand how the EU developed, how it works and the challenges it faces. -- Publisher description
A fifth updated edition of an introduction to all aspects of the European Union (EU), from the development of the EU and how it works and has changed over the past decade, to what the single market means for business and what changes monetary and economic union are expected to bring.
Focusing on the intricacies of the British electoral system, this authoritative account by a seasoned political journalist offers insights for voters and students alike. It addresses essential topics such as election timing, voter eligibility, and the electoral process, including the role of constituency boundaries and party organization. The revised edition also covers local elections, referenda, and European Parliament elections, while detailing various electoral systems and including extensive statistics and a comprehensive bibliography for further study.