
- 240 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Sir Robert Peel - paragon or pariah? Peel was the greatest statesman and political leader of mid-Victorian Britain, a titan of Conservative politics, whose legacy has inspired generations in his party and in British political life. In a career spanning forty years he held the greatest offices of state including Chief Secretary to Ireland, Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and was twice Prime Minister. He was the first acknowledged leader of the Conservative Party and the Founder of Modern Conservatism. Yet Peel's seemingly peerless reputation has never been secure. The Repeal of the Corn Laws split his party, his 'Peelite' supporters joined the Liberals and the Conservatives remained in opposition for thirty years. Richard Gaunt, drawing on a huge archive of state papers, contemporary writings including Peel's own Memoirs and the latest historiography, paints a convincing picture of Peel as an exponent of effective government in the modern industrial state and a calculating practitioner, supremely self-confident, who dominated both his Party and the House of Commons.
Gaunt's revisionist life of Peel will be essential reading and the standard work for students and general readers interested in Conservative and mid-Victorian political history and historical biography.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Contents
- List of Illustrations
- Acknowledgements
- 1. Sir Robert Peel in Historical Perspective
- 2. 'Orange Peel'? Catholic Emancipation and Policy Towards Ireland
- 3. 'Peel's Act': Robert Peel and Currency Reform
- 4. Mr Home Secretary Peel: An Illiberal 'Liberal Tory'?
- 5. 'The Founder of Modern Conservatism'? Peel and the Conservative Party
- 6. 'Re-Peel': Reform of the Tariff and Repeal of the Corn Laws
- 7. The Rise (and Fall) of Sir Robert Peel
- 8. Peel, Death and Posterity
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index