The Life of William Ewart Gladstone

First published in 1903, this authorised biography of the Liberal Prime Minister Gladstone provides valuable insights into Victorian political life.

John Morley (Author)

9781108026796, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 March 2011

668 pages, 2 b/w illus.
21.6 x 3.7 x 14 cm, 0.84 kg

Morley's authorised biography of Gladstone (1809–1898) was published in 1903, and is a landmark of political biography. Four times Liberal Prime Minister between 1868 and 1894, Gladstone had left an enormous archive of letters, papers and diaries, which Morley (1838–1923), himself a noted Liberal politician and writer, spent five years distilling into three volumes. Although many other biographies and editions have since been published, Morley's work is still valuable for his use of primary sources, especially for the earlier part of Gladstone's career. Morley avoids overt party bias, but is understandably discreet in his treatment of more recent political events. He also ignores more private aspects of his subject's life and, as an agnostic, did not empathise with Gladstone's strong religious convictions. Volume 3 covers the period from 1880 to Gladstone's death in 1898, including the Sudan crisis, and the fierce debates over Irish Home Rule.

Book VIII. 1880–1885: 1. Opening days of the new parliament
2. An episode in toleration
3. Majuba
4. New phases of the Irish revolution
5. Egypt
6. Political jubilee
7. Colleagues - northern cruise - Egypt
8. Reform
9. The Soudan
10. Interior of the cabinet
11. Defeat of ministers
12. Accession of Lord Salisbury
Book IX. 1885–1886
1. Leadership and the general election
2. The polls in 1885
3. A critical month
4. Fall of the first Salisbury government
5. The new policy
6. Introduction of the bill
7. The political atmosphere - defeat of the bill
Book X. 1886–1898: 1. The morrow of defeat
2. The alternation policy in act
3. The special commission
4. An interim
5. Breach with Mr. Parnell
6. Biarritz
7. The fourth administration
8. Retirement from public life
9. The close
10. Final
Appendix
Chronology
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]