About FDU Press

Despite the title, this is primarily a biography of Sir William Harcourt. His son plays an important but clearly secondary part. This is the first full-length biography of Harcourt in 81 years, and a welcome addition to 19th-century political history. Harcourt played a key role in the Liberal Party. Had it not been for Queen Victoria’s detestation of his anti-imperial views, he probably would have been named prime mini9ster in 1894. Nevertheless, Harcourt was a very effective leader of the House of Commons, virtually running the party during Gladstone’s long absences and continuing the role under Rosebery. He was also an effective chancellor of the exchequer. So fond was Harcourt of his debating skill that he often got carried away, demonstrating inconsistency and undue severity and antagonizing even many of his friends. [S]tudents of 19th-centruy Britain and all schools with courses in 19th-century British history should seriously consider acquiring the book, despite its high price.