However, there is one bright spot in my life. Yesterday, in the depths of my depression I decided to treat myself to a new book on the history of two, er, 'giants' of the 19th century, Gladstone and Disraeli. Of course, I know of them but not much about them. I am learning fast as I devour Richard Aldous's book "The Lion and the Unicorn". I know that I am prone to raving about sundry books on a fairly consistent basis but this truly is an absolute corker! Yes, it covers the political shenanigans of the Victorian era which, though important, do not move us to passion these days - after all, we have our own problems! However, what Mr. Aldous does bring out is the deep and abiding hatred between these two men. 'HOONOO'? Not me, poor ignorant fellow that I am but I am learning fast!
I am also learning about their very different, in fact polar opposite, characters. Gladstone the stern, stubborn Victorian and Disraeli the glamourous showman. Both were highly intelligent but more important, and more entertaining, was their shared viciousness in the political knife-fight that ensued as they both reached the heights of political power. Simply too, too delicious!
According to WiKipedia, "Gladstone was known affectionately by his supporters as "The People's William" or the "G.O.M." ("Grand Old Man", or, according to his political rival Benjamin Disraeli, "God's Only Mistake").[3] Historians often call him one of Britain's greatest leaders".
His photo would make Queen Victoria look giddy.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 12 September 2019 at 12:03
All I know of Disraeli is, he inspired some rockers. Three as distinctly recall.
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/09/ringo-gets-it.php
Well maybe four.
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 12 September 2019 at 13:13
Actually, Whiters, I am not sure dear 'Vicky' would have been quite so giddy if she had known that he was a constant, indeed, obsessive user of prostitutes! They don't make humbug like that any more!
Posted by: David Duff | Thursday, 12 September 2019 at 14:23
They don't make humbug like that any more!
You what?
Aaah, now we know what you're up to, Gaffer! Trying to find some epoch of history where the pols were actually worse than they are today so as to be able to say to yourself, "Well, maybe it's not so bad, they were worse in Victorian Blighty" and thereby maybe bring yourself back from deep depression!
Good luck with that one. If it fails I recommend you try Prozac, works a treat!
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Friday, 13 September 2019 at 09:58