The Quarrel of Macaulay and Croker: Politics and History in the Age of Reform

You looking to find the "The Quarrel of Macaulay and Croker: Politics and History in the Age of Reform" Good news! You can purchase The Quarrel of Macaulay and Croker: Politics and History in the Age of Reform with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

   

Product Description

This is the story of one of the great literary rows of the nineteenth century, between one of its greatest historians and one of its sharpest critics. The quarrel began in the House of Commons during the debates of 1831-2 on parliamentary reform and was continued in the quarterly reviews. In this highly readable study, William Thomas offers a new perspective and insight into the quarrel and its ramifications, and provides a nuanced assessment of the protagonists and their work.

The Quarrel of Macaulay and Croker: Politics and History in the Age of Reform Review

Mr. W.E.S. Thomas, long 'Student' (fellow), of Christ Church College Oxford, has produced a small accademic gem in THE QUARREL OF MACAULAY AND CROKER. Mr. Thomas' credentials as an expert on Macaulay, Mill, and the Philosophic Radicals are extremely impressive and he is also the only man to thoroughly review and analyze Croker's works and papers since Jennings in the 1880's. Mr. Thomas has applied undoubted powers of political and intellectual insight - rarely found in but one historian - to tremendous knowledge and impeccable research to produce what is undoubtedly the finest work yet published on Croker [pace Brightfield] and the most thought provoking and informed view of Macaulay as historian and politician since John Clive. The narrative of the combat, both literary and political, between Macaulay and Croker is of enduring general interest as an excellent tale, for while the combatants are not evenly matched in reputation I would contend that they are indeed in ability. I would hasten to enjoin the general reader to seriously consider a work that would normally be consigned to scholars in a particular field simply for its clear prose, excellent reasoning, and necessarily wide ranging subject matter. As Macaulay and Croker both dealt with the very greatest questions of the modern world - the nature of government, the existence of progress, and the shape of regimes - Mr. Thomas' analysis and discussion naturally touches on almost all the important questions of political philosophy and historiography. I would further urge anyone with an interest in party politics to look into this work for its treatment of Croker. I have long thought that a feasible case could be made for Croker as the first political 'wonk' or modern political advisor. Croker served as the closest advisor to two prime ministers in difficult times (Wellington and Peel), the first secretary (chief civilian bureaucrat) of the admiralty for the later stages of the Napoleonic wars and its aftermath, a leading authority on Irish questions, and effectively political editor of the most influential journalistic organ of his party. Croker has the added distinction of probably coining the term 'Conservative.' Modern politicians and political advisors in my native city would not find Croker too foreign - in fact I believe that Mr. Thomas' book shows how he combined remarkable accume, understanding of his own position, and an excellent knowledge of history and theory to great effect. Specialists in nineteenth century politics will no doubt know Mr. Thomas' previous work by reputation and that alone should be sufficient to urge them to read this work. Students of literature should also take note of the work as Mr. Thomas has here elaborated his article in last year's fetschrift to John Burrow on the management of the Quarterly Review into an intimate portrait of how Lockhart and Croker managed that most influential of Tory literary journals. Those interested in political thought and historiography have a habit of buying anything dealing with Macaulay and I would urge them most seriously to take up this volume not only for the sake of Mr. Thomas' very realistic and sensible insights into that great 'whig' historian (although Thomas is none too comfortable with such a lable) but also for the views of Croker. I must add, by way of disclosure, that I know Mr. Thomas and have the greatest respect for him as a scholar and a tutor, however I think that works own merits will amply support my praise. For those who doubt my word I would heartily recommend they read an excellent review that appeared in the SPECTATOR in early December of 2000 - I believe I am in complete congruence with its sentiments. The Times Literary Supplement aslo had only the very nicest things to say. Quite simply, if you have any interest in political history, thought, or historiography I would most strenously enjoin you to purchase this most learned - and engaging - volume. General readers may find an occasional reference obscure, but they will also profit from and perhaps enjoy this volume.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "The Quarrel of Macaulay and Croker: Politics and History in the Age of Reform" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from The Quarrel of Macaulay and Croker: Politics and History in the Age of Reform ...