The Great Rivalry

Gladstone and Disraeli

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Religion & Spirituality
Cover of the book The Great Rivalry by Dick Leonard, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dick Leonard ISBN: 9780857733375
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: June 30, 2013
Imprint: I.B. Tauris Language: English
Author: Dick Leonard
ISBN: 9780857733375
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: June 30, 2013
Imprint: I.B. Tauris
Language: English

Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone are without doubt the two most iconic figures of nineteenth century British politics. Their distinctly different personalities and policies led to 28 years of bitter political rivalry. Between 1853 and Disraeli's death in 1881, the two leaders repeatedly succeeded each other in Westminster, first as Chancellors of the Exchequer and later as Prime Ministers, with Disraeli leading the Conservatives and Gladstone the Liberals.

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 and time in office. Dick Leonard compares the impact of religion – Judaism and Christianity respectively - on the two men, their contrasting oratorical skills, their attitudes to political and social reform, foreign affairs and imperialism. It is well known that Queen Victoria was much fonder of Disraeli than she was of Gladstone, but Leonard provides new facets on the relationship between each premier and the monarch. In their private lives he sheds new light on Gladstone's guilt-ridden obsession with seeking out prostitutes, ostensibly in order to 'reform' them, and Disraeli's passion for older women – his wife was 12 years his senior - as well as his 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 and the enduring legacy of a great rivalry, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in nineteenth century British history and politics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone are without doubt the two most iconic figures of nineteenth century British politics. Their distinctly different personalities and policies led to 28 years of bitter political rivalry. Between 1853 and Disraeli's death in 1881, the two leaders repeatedly succeeded each other in Westminster, first as Chancellors of the Exchequer and later as Prime Ministers, with Disraeli leading the Conservatives and Gladstone the Liberals.

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 and time in office. Dick Leonard compares the impact of religion – Judaism and Christianity respectively - on the two men, their contrasting oratorical skills, their attitudes to political and social reform, foreign affairs and imperialism. It is well known that Queen Victoria was much fonder of Disraeli than she was of Gladstone, but Leonard provides new facets on the relationship between each premier and the monarch. In their private lives he sheds new light on Gladstone's guilt-ridden obsession with seeking out prostitutes, ostensibly in order to 'reform' them, and Disraeli's passion for older women – his wife was 12 years his senior - as well as his 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 and the enduring legacy of a great rivalry, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in nineteenth century British history and politics.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Purpose and Providence by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Drama and Digital Arts Cultures by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book The Legacy by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book The Aesthetic Turn in Political Thought by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time GCSE Student Edition by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Warriors by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Surveillance and Film by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Jewish Volunteers, the International Brigades and the Spanish Civil War by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book The Secret Lives of Puffins by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Steampunk Soldiers by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book MOB Rule by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book A Celebration of Living Theology by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Among the Fans by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book Sports Training Principles by Dick Leonard
Cover of the book National Service by Dick Leonard
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy