Viscount Palmerston, K.G.

First published in 1892, Viscount Palmerston, K.G. by John Campbell, better known as the Marquis of Lorne (and later the ninth Duke of Argyll), details the life and work of this great British statesman, who held government positions almost continuously from 1807 until his death in 1865.

Beginning his political career as a Tory and ending it as a Liberal, he was Foreign Secretary when Britain was at the height of its power and twice served as prime minister during the 1850s and '60s. Using the wealth of correspondence left behind by Palmerston, both official and private, the author paints a portrait of a man whose beliefs and opinions moulded his sense of duty, a duty which was clearly expressed in his public actions.

This fascinating study covers Palmerston's early years and education, his entrance into public life, the defining period spent in the Foreign Office and his two terms as prime minister.