Following A Century of Premiers: Salisbury to Blair, Leonard turns his attention to their 19th Century predecessors. In a series of 20 biographical essays, he recounts the principal events of their political careers, assesses their performance as Prime Ministers, and asks what lasting influence they have had.

Following his earlier surveys of 19th and 20th Century British Prime Ministers, Dick Leonard turns his attention to their 18th Century predecessors, including such major figures as Robert Walpole, the Elder Pitt (Lord Chatham), Lord North and the Younger Pitt.

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 during the era.

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,...

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 during the era.

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,...