«`This book should be essential reading for all teachers of the late nineteenth century and acts as a valuable counter to those who see the success of Gladstone's brand of Liberalism as inevitable.' John Grey, Teaching History»

«'This is a well-told story of political astuteness by the Whig faction ... cogently and vigorously argued by Jenkins, with the aid of an impressive array of primary sources. The study contains much of Irish specialist interest.' Cormac O Grada, Irish University Review»

«`splendid new book ... His tone throughout is one of iconoclastic reasonableness. He eschews the hermetically obscure prose which the 'high politics' school has made so peculiarly its own. At the same time his essentially 'commonsense' view hides a sophisticated and delicate turn of mind.' The Times Literary Supplement»

«`Dr Jenkins is to be praised for both his energy and erudition.' English Historical Review»

«'His is certainly a careful narrative and analytical account of parliamentary and cabinet politics, occasionally and rigorously challenging the acccepted truths. Jenkins has put us in his debt by his insights into late Victorian Liberalism and by correcting the scholarly imbalance which has favoured Gladstone and radicalism to the detriment of whiggery.' Alvin Jackson, University College, Dublin, Irish Historical Studies»