Rosebery - Hardcover

McKinstry, Leo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719558794 ISBN 13: 9780719558795

Publisher: John Murray, 2005

Synopsis

The Fifth Earl of Rosebery was the most glamorous politician of the late Victorian age. Charismatic, enlightened, wealthy and intellectually brilliant, he captivated the masses and charmed colleagues and was the natural successor when Gladstone retired in 1894. Though he spent less than two years in Downing Street, he always remained a glittering political star.

Yet he never attained the true greatness that was within his grasp. The problem lay in his complex personality. Self-centred, impulsive and neurotic, as Prime Minister he was crippled by insomnia and virtually had a nervous breakdown. After retiring from the Liberal Leadership in 1896, he became an increasingly solitary, brooding figure.

Using a wealth of archival material, award-winning author Leo McKinstry covers every aspect of Lord Rosebery's magnetic, eccentric character and his life, including his devotion to horse-racing, his literary achievements and his anguished private life in widowhood. Through original research, he provides fresh insights into the man and his involvement in some of the most controversial episodes of the era, from the Jameson Raid to the trial of Oscar Wilde.

About this title

Review:

His strange journey is well described in this impressive book. (BBC History)

Stunning ... As well as being meticulously researched, it is beautifully written and has tremendous pace (Literary Review)

McKinstry...has produced a first-class biography, scholarly, analytical, judicious and always interesting. (Herald)

Absorbing ... McKinstry has here proved himself to be a first-class historical biographer (Mail on Sunday)

(A) fascinating account of one of Britain's most perplexing leaders. (Belfast Telegraph)

With masterly skill and sympathy, Leo McKinstry resurrects him as the Hamlet of late Victorian England (Daily Mail)

An authoritative and original biography which is also a riveting read' (Spectator)

This is an authoritative and original biography which is also a riveting read. (Spectator)

Superbly well-researched and well-written ... A truly first-class addition to the genre of Prime Ministerial biography (Sunday Telegraph)

A strong, compelling narrative which displays a sensitive understanding of Rosebery as well as his political times. (Tribune, Robert Taylor)

From the Author:

WINNER OF 2006 CHANNEL 4 POLITICAL BOOK OF THE YEAR

One of the SUNDAY TIMES Top Five Biographies of the Year

About this edition

• Publisher: John Murray
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0719558794
• ISBN 13: 9780719558795
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 640