Aiming to restore "Whiggery" to a position of significance in Liberal politics of the period, T.A. Jenkins reassesses the role of the aristocratic Whigs in the Liberal Party of the 1870s and 1880s. The leadership of Granville and Hartington is examined, as well as the leadership crisis of 1879-80, and the Whig strategies following Gladstone's return to power in 1880. Presenting an entirely new picture of the nature of Liberal politics, Jenkins asserts that the Irish Question was of central importance in the split of the Liberal Party.

This book traces the often sharply differing perspectives historians have formed with regard to the key incidents in the careers of the two foremost politicians of the Victorian age – Gladstone and Disraeli. Following the parallel careers of both men, it focuses upon a series of contentious questions, ranging from why Disraeli opposed Corn Law repeal in 1846 and Gladstone abandoned his High Tory politics for Peelism, to whether Disraeli was ever an Imperialist and why Gladstone took up the cause of Irish Home Rule. By juxtaposing the contrasting interpretations advocated by historians, it brings home to students how history is a continually evolving subject in which every generation poses new questions, or reformulates answers to old ones – encouraging those studying the subject to realise that history is an ongoing dialogue to which they are called upon to contribute.

Explains how William Gladstone responded to the 'Irish Question', and in so doing changed the British and Irish political landscape. Religion, land, self-government and nationalism became subjects of intensive political debate, raising issues about the constitution and national identity of the whole United Kingdom.

This is an exploration of the conflict between Whig politicians and London radicals in metropolitan government.

The other two offers were in 1886, after Hartington had broken with Gladstone over Irish home rule and had led his Liberal Unionist supporters into an alliance with the Conservatives.