John Scott, Lord Eldon, 1751-1838: The Duty of Loyalty

by Rose Melikan

Overview

John Scott, Lord Eldon (1751-1838) was an important English lawyer and a dominant figure in Georgian public life, and ranks among the most important Lord Chancellors in the long history of that office. This biography, the first in approximately 150 years, traces Eldon's public career, from MP to Lord Chancellor. That career was significant for its duration and complexity. Eldon held public office for almost 49 years, and his 25 year tenure as Lord Chancellor is unique. This enabled him to exercise influence in almost every government between 1788-1827.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521623957
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/22/1999
Series:	Cambridge Studies in English Legal History
Pages:	388
Product dimensions:	5.71(w) x 8.86(h) x 1.18(d)
Lexile:	1690L (what's this?)

About the Author

Rose Melikan was born in Detroit, Michigan. Since 1993, she has been a Fellow of St.

Catharine's College, Cambridge. Her academic research centers on 18th and early 19th

British political and constitutional history. She lives in Cambridge, England with her husband.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. A man of laws; 2. An independent learned gentleman; 3. A government retainer; 4. Formal politics; 5. Engagement; 6. Setbacks; 7. Resolution; 8. Pater familias; 9. Upright intentions; 10. The king's man; 11. The practice of patronage; 12. Cut and thrust; 13. A servant may serve two masters; 14. Reform and revolution; 15. The speaker speaks; 16. Lord endless; 17. Faithful defender; 18. Twilight of the state; Bibliography: I. Manuscripts; II. Legal and parliamentary documents; III. Pamphlets; IV. Newspapers and periodicals; V. Biographies, memoirs, correspondence, diaries; VI. Secondary sources.

Editorial Reviews

'This is a political biography as it used to be written, with facts given, not theories argued and all is thoroughly based on wide research.' Contemporary Review

' … Rose A. Melikan's impressive new biography … This book is particularly valuable for its detailed tracing of Eldon's political career in parliament and his relationships with his contemporaries, which draws on a wide range of source material. Melikan's is a well constructed, subtle and balanced argument, which often gives useful insights into his character. Dr. Melikan is to be thanked for producing a meticulously researched, long overdue biography in an elegant and eloquent style.' Michael Lobban, Brunel University

' … an obvious need for a well-researched and balanced study. After a gap of about 150 years we now have such a work in Rose Melikan's book … Melikan reveals the range of his career and recsues him from caricature … This result is an admirably detailed and convincing portrait … This study has many merits. For the first time Scott emerges as a rounded personality, and his sustained influence upon the legal life of England and Wales becomes comprehensible.' Raymond C. J. Cocks

'… a meticulously researched, long overdue biography in an elegant and eloquent style'. The English Historical Review

'Melikan is to be commended for composing so thoughtful and revealing a study of early nineteenth century conservative thought.' Parliamentary History

From the Publisher