Abstract

This book provides a thorough analysis of the political career of William Gladstone, one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in modern British history. 'Gladstone and the Logic of Victorian Politics' captures the incredible richness and range of Gladstone's political journey, tracing his evolution from idealistic Tory defender of a theocratic Anglican state, through his transformation into Peelite financial administrator, reforming Liberal Prime Minister, populist champion of the 'masses against the classes', and culminating in his strenuous yet schismatic attempt to bring Home Rule to Ireland.  Each stage in Gladstone's development is fully assessed in the light both of recent historiographical debates and Gladstone's own complex reflections upon his own actions.

Throughout, serious attention is devoted to the intellectual processes that shaped Gladstone's political practice. Gladstone was unique, not merely in the longevity of his career, but in his determination to reason through his responses to problems in the light of his extensive reading, his study of ancient literature, and his profoundly held religious convictions.  As such this book provides an ideal entry point into the Victorian world and Gladstone's thinking about such questions as financial policy, the relevance of morality to foreign policy, the claims of national sentiment, Britain's responsibility as an imperial power, and the role of public opinion in policy making.  The conclusions he arrived at cannot be ignored by anyone interested in nineteenth century history – or, indeed, the political challenges confronting Britain and the world in the twenty-first century.

This book provides a thorough analysis of the political career of William Gladstone, one of the most intriguing figures in modern British history.  ‘Gladstone and the Logic of Victorian Politics’ captures the incredible richness of Gladstone’s political journey, tracing his evolution from Tory defender of a theocratic Anglican state to great reforming Liberal Prime Minister, always prepared to champion the ‘masses against the classes’.  Each stage in Gladstone’s development is assessed in the light of recent historiographical debates and his own fascinating explanations of his conduct.

‘A lucid and clearly presented analysis of the ways in which scholars have approached and interpreted the great Victorian.’ —Eugenio F. Biagini, ‘Victorian Studies’

'In this lucid, clearly-organised and engaging study, Ian St John explores the intellectual convictions, religious beliefs and powerful impulses which shaped the complex temperament and extraordinary career of William Gladstone, the dominating political presence of 19th century Britain. Drawing on the latest research, St John presents a convincing and compelling portrait of the Victorian statesman who defined the aspirations and anxieties of his age, thereby providing a valuable and timely guide for all students of the period.' —Dr Angus Hawkins, Director, Public & International Programmes, Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, England

'Ian St John’s earlier work on Disraeli gave ample evidence that here was an historian capable of reconciling the demands of scholarship and accessibility, and ‘Gladstone and the Logic of Victorian Politics’ more than repeats the feat. Integrating an analysis of high political manoeuvre with the life of both Gladstone’s mind and spirit, St John has produced a substantial volume which will reward the ambitious sixth former and undergraduate alike.' —David Cooper, Tutor to the Academic Scholars, Tonbridge School, England

‘The author provides frequent summaries and analyses throughout the text. One can read the work straight through, but readers can also go to specific sections and find them clearly laid out and summarized. In this regard, it would well serve any academic community. Recommended.’ —P. T. Smith, Saint Joseph’s University, ‘Choice’

‘…St John provide[s] a detailed examination of the multiple turns and twists in Gladstone’s 60 plus years in public life. In the course of doing so he provides a thorough evaluation of the recent outpouring of Gladstonian literature. St John does this with assurance and welcome clarity...’ —Russ Foster, ‘History Review’

Ian St John has taught history at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School in Hertfordshire since 2000. His chief research interests are in Victorian history.