There was no more appropriate person to write this book. Robert Blake was the doyen of Tory historians being most famous for his unsurpassed biography of Disraeli (to be reissued in Faber Finds). His history of the Conservative Party was first published in 1970. It then went as far as Churchill. A subsequent edition took it up to Thatcher and the final edition, the one being reissued by Faber Finds, to Major. For the span it covers, it remains the definitive one-volume history. 'His consummate insight into the whole of the political scene, and his power to communicate the enjoyment of it, makes this exciting reading for anyone remotely interested in British political and social history, or even in the English character.' Sunday Times 'This book is full of insights and enriched throughout by sparkling commentary' Evening Standard 'An up-to-date history of the Party was wanted. Mr Blake supplies it with lucidity, scholarship and serene worldliness' Guardian

First published in 1964, Peel and the Conservative Party is a major historical study that considers the problems of Peel who in 1932 was to recreate a party which had been shattered successively by Canning, Catholic Emancipation, and the Reform Bill, and, to lead a party whose interests were hopelessly divided between agriculture and industry. The author acknowledges the work of Professors Aspinall and Gash on the subject, and among other things considers the true significance of the resignation of the Duke of Wellington in 1830. This book will be an interesting read for students of history and political science.

First published in 1964, Peel and the Conservative Party is a major historical study that considers the problems of Peel who in 1932 was to recreate a party whose interests were hopelessly divided between agriculture and industry.

The Conservatives are back - but what took them so long? Why did the world's most successful political party dump Margaret Thatcher only to commit electoral suicide under John Major? Just as importantly, what stopped the Tories getting their act together until David Cameron came along? The answers are as intriguing as the questions.