The Formation of The British Liberal Party, 1857-1868

This landmark book is an influential and irreplaceable work wherever British political history is studied. This edition includes the substantial new introduction titled 'Afterthoughts' which Professor Vincent wrote for his second edition. Vincent analyses the key channels which were part of the everyday life of millions: the cheap press, militant Dissent, organised labour, the Reform agitation, the working-class club and society movement, and the explosive ardour flashing between great names and great crowds. These agencies at work in the nation contributed to the Liberal Party's conquest of public opinion. The author describes at root level how the Parliamentary Whig Party developed into a national Liberal movement, dominating government for decades.