Who were the Victorians? Were they self-confident imperialists secure in the virtues of the home, and ruled by the values of authority, duty, religion and respectability? Or were they self-doubting and hypocritical prudes whose family life was authoritarian and loveless? Ever since Lytton Strachey mocked Florence Nightingale and General Gordon in "Eminent Victorians", the reputation of the Victorians, and of what they stood for, has been the subject of vigorous debate. John Gardiner provides a fascinating guide to the changing reputation of the Victorians during the twentieth century. Different social, political and aesthetic values, two world wars, youth culture, nostalgia, new historical trends and the heritage industry have all affected the way we see the age and its men and women. The second half of the book shows how radically biographical accounts have changed over the last hundred years, exemplified by four archetypical Victorians: Charles Dickens, W.E. Gladstone, Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria herself.

"The Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone" is an insightful biography of this great man of nineteenth-century British politics, written in 1891 from the unparalleled stance of his contemporary acquaintance, George Russell. The author presents a clear, chronological account of the events that had, thus far, taken place in Gladstone's life, from his childhood, education and early political influences through to his roles as leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister in three governments. He reveals the moral authority Gladstone stamped upon politics during his career through reforms which affected almost every sphere of life at the time. Coupled with a unique insight into the true character of Gladstone as a man, this valuable biography provides a complete portrait of one of the greatest statesman in British history.

William Gladstone, 'The Grand Old Man' of nineteenth-century politics, was Prime Minister four times. Throughout his life, women, including Queen Victoria (with whom he had a somewhat strained relationship - she famously describing him as a 'half-mad firebrand') were of great importance to him. Because he documented his reaction to people and events copiously in his diary and many letters, we know a great deal about his attitudes towards them - and their reaction to him. Gladstone's most notorious interest in women, was his mission to rescue prostitutes, which he pursued with great vigour and at enormous expense over forty years, spending many thousands of pounds in the process. Few believed that his interest was wholly innocent, and it was said that he mainly wanted to save the younger prettier ladies of the night.

This biography of Lord Palmerston was published in 1892 by John Campbell, better known by his title of Marquis of Lorne (and later the ninth Duke of Argyll). It details the life and work of this great British statesman, who held government positions almost continuously from 1807 until his death in 1865, serving twice as prime minister during this time. 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, as well as his two terms as prime minister.