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. 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 and imperialism as well as their relations with Queen Victoria. In their private lives he sheds new light on Gladstone’s guilt-ridden obsession with ‘reforming’ prostitutes, and Disraeli’s almost completely successful efforts to conceal the existence of two illegitimate children. Providing important new perspectives on the two towering political characters of the Victorian Age, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in nineteenth century British history and politics.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘Fascinating book about two people whom I know less about than I should … it combines insight with wit and brevity.’ (David Owen, former Foreign Secretary)
‘Dick Leonard has produced masterful portraits of these two remarkable figures. His book, packed with shrewd assessments of the issues and personalities of the Victorian period, will delight and enlighten all lovers of British political history.’ (
Mark Garnett, Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Lancaster)
‘…a solid and well-told primer…[brings] out splendidly the hilarious priggishness of [Disraeli’s] arch-enemy…’ (
Sam Leith, The Spectator)
‘…Leonard has the journalist’s nose for a telling anecdote and a plain, umpompous style…
The Great Rivalry is his crowning achievement…written with captivating panache, packed with well-chosen quotations, full of psychological insight…readable, entertaining and illuminating.’ (David Marquand, The New Statesman)
‘Riveting’ –(
House Magazine)
‘admirably informative… and a pleasure to read’ –(
Roy Hattersley, The Oldie)
‘Riveting’ –(
House Magazine)
“…Leonard has the journalist’s nose for a telling anecdote and a plain, umpompous style…The Great Rivalry is his crowning achievement…written with captivating panache, packed with well-chosen quotations, full of psychological insight…readable, entertaining and illuminating.” –David Marquand, The New Statesman
About the Author
Dick Leonard is an historian, journalist and author and a former Labour MP. For many years he was Assistant Editor of The Economist, and headed their office in Brussels, where he was later also correspondent of The Observer. Her also worked for the BBC, and contributed regularly to leading newspapers across the world. His publications include The Economist Guide to the European Union, Elections in Britain, A Century of Premiers: Salisbury to Blair; Nineteenth Century British Premiers: Pitt to Rosebery and Eighteenth Century British Premiers: Walpole to the Younger Pitt.
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