Product Description

The Whig Supremacy 1714–1760

    – Basil Williams

The Oxford History of England Series

Hardback with Dustcover

464 pages + maps at back.

Publisher:  University Press, Oxford

Date Published: 1949

First published 1939

Condition:  Overall good order with some age discolouration.

Notes on Book
Professor Basil Williams's book The Whig Supremacy holds an established position as an introductory survey of the England of the first two Georges. It not only recounts the public events and traces the course of domestic and foreign policy; it also describes the institutions, the literature and the arts of that robust period, and its social life, with uncommon sympathy and insight. It owes much of its distinctive quality to the author's first-hand knowledge of politics, war, and life overseas. When the book was published Sir Lewis Namier had already made his main contributions to the history of the period, but in the ensueing years research on similar lines continued to grow, especially in the field of parliamentary and party history. The second edition was prepared by Mr. C. H. Stuart who, in addition to such other revision as was necessary, took into account the results of this research. While making the appropriate corrections Mr. Stuart was careful not to interfere with the original text unduly or to sacrifice its individual flavour. A revised bibliography was also included. Seven pages of maps are contained in the book, as is a detailed Index section.

A review by internet book reviewer conjunction:
How amazing is it that this astonishing work doesn't have a review. Mr. Williams fought in the second Boer war and subsequently was a clerk in the House of Commons. One of the most remarkable features of this book is his grasp of practical affairs, for example the reforms and refinements of English law, the developments in the technology of iron and steel manufacture. I had previously thought the eighteenth century was a kind of hiatus in English history. In a way it was, as far as drama was concerned, although the Seven Years War and the War of American Independence might be thought enough for many centuries. But Williams shows that in fact strenuous developments were made in intellectual, scientific, artistic and technological spheres, preparing the way for the radical re-vision of the nineteenth century. His down to earth approach underscores how this century of fallow, of regrouping, allowed the nation to prepare for the achievements that lay beyond. Williams made his name as a biographer of Pitt the Elder, a forgotten figure these days, but one who after Marlborough was the second great figure in the creation of the Empire. That is perhaps a dirty word these days, but at the least a fundamental flagstone in our history. This volume is an old-fashioned resume of the achievements and difficulties of that century and part of a heritage we no longer seem to feel the need to look at.

You can read background notes on the period here. 

Price £35.00

Product Code: THEI16

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