
Chief Whip
Eric Alexander(Author)
University of Toronto Press
Published on 15. December 1961
Book
Paperback/Softback
277 pages
978-1-4426-3911-9 (ISBN)
Description
The author's grandfather, Aretas Akers-Douglas (1857-1926) was in his day called "The Prince of Whips". Starting in 1880 as a confederate of the brilliant but unorthodox Lord Randolph Churchill, he graduated in record time to the position of chief dispenser of the official Conservative party line and held it for ten exceptionally arduous years at the height of the Home Rule controversy with its complications, Liberal unionism, parliamentary sabotage and obstruction.
This position was rendered all the more responsible through the distaste felt by the two great leaders whom he served-Lord Salisbury and A.J. Balfour-for the details of party management; and even after he had been moved to another office his advice continued to be sought on all questions relating to the party's domestic affairs.
Out of the intimate and informal correspondence received in these capacities Lord Chilston has made an entertaining political biography, unravelling a most complex period of parliamentary history and revealing much about Lord Salisbury, Lord Randolph Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain, A.J. Balfour and lesser figures, like the loyal and endearing W.H. Smith, Walter Long and Richard Middleton.
This position was rendered all the more responsible through the distaste felt by the two great leaders whom he served-Lord Salisbury and A.J. Balfour-for the details of party management; and even after he had been moved to another office his advice continued to be sought on all questions relating to the party's domestic affairs.
Out of the intimate and informal correspondence received in these capacities Lord Chilston has made an entertaining political biography, unravelling a most complex period of parliamentary history and revealing much about Lord Salisbury, Lord Randolph Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain, A.J. Balfour and lesser figures, like the loyal and endearing W.H. Smith, Walter Long and Richard Middleton.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
10 b&w illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
503 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4426-3911-9 (9781442639119)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Eric Alexander Akers-Douglas (1910-1982), 3rd Viscount Chilston, was employed at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) during the period 1948-1952, where under the editorship of Professor Arnold Toynbee he wrote a much praised section of volume 3 of the survey for International Affairs for 1938. He spent many years managing his Kentish estate and writing---mainly the present book and articles.