The Journal of John Wodehouse First Earl of Kimberley, 1862–1902

Account of high politics in late Victorian period containing papers available only since 1991.

John Wodehouse (Author), Angus Hawkins (Edited by), John Powell (Edited by)

9780521623285, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 May 1998

552 pages
22.4 x 14.8 x 3.3 cm, 0.82 kg

"Hawkins and Powell have done a fine job in editing and producing the Journal....provides a succinct and penetrating account of Kimberley and his place in the Victorian political world." John Beeler, Albion

The political journal of John Wodehouse, first Earl of Kimberley (1862–1902) is one of the finest political diaries of the last half of the nineteenth century. Born into an old Tory family, Kimberley followed his forebears in attending Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, but shocked his neighbours by adopting Liberal principles. As Lord Clarendon's protege, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Russia following the Crimean War, and under-secretary at the Foreign Office after his return (1859–61). With Lord John Russell's elevation to the peerage in 1861, Kimberley resigned, and shortly after began the journal that he regularly kept until his death in 1902. Uniquely placed as an observer, Kimberley was the only Liberal to serve in every Cabinet of the Gladstone/Rosebery era. The Kimberley Journal is replete with humorous anecdotes, information regarding policy development, and acute observations about politicians and political situations.

1. Lord Kimberley's family
2. Editorial note
3. Abbreviations
4. Sources
5. Introduction
6. Journal: 6 May 1862–10 January 1902
Appendix: the Kimberley Memoir
Index.

Subject Areas: History [HB]