Choose Your Weapons

When writing his magnificent life of Robert Peel, Douglas Hurd found himself caught up again in a debate that has always fascinated him as a former diplomat and Foreign Secretary - the argument between the noisy popular liberal interventionist approach and the more conservative diplomatic approach concentrating on co-operation between other nations.

Hurd concentrates on personalities and circumstances, beginning with the dramatic antagonism after Waterloo between Canning (liberal, populist, interventionist) and Castlereagh (institutions, compromise, real politics) - the last occasion on which ministerial colleagues fought a duel. Other personalities include Palmerston vs Aberdeen; Disraeli and his old friend and Foreign Secretary, Lord Derby; Salisbury and Edward Grey; and Eden and Bevin, who combined with the Americans to create a post-war compromise, which is coming apart today in an era of terrorism and racial conflict.

“Unexpectedly enjoyable...it's a spry account with some vivid vignettes.-- Ian Pindar , GUARDIAN”

A book of authority and insight -- Dominic Sandbrook SUNDAY TIMES
Unexpectedly enjoyable...it's a spry account with some vivid vignettes. -- Ian Pindar GUARDIAN
A fascinating insight into the second most powerful job in British politics. HUDDERSFIELD DAILY EXAMINER

Douglas Hurd was an MP from 1974 to 1997, he served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary. He is the (co-)author of many thrillers, his MEMOIRS and the highly acclaimed ROBERT PEEL.

When writing his magnificent life of Robert Peel, Douglas Hurd found himself caught up again in a debate that has always fascinated him as a former diplomat and Foreign Secretary - the argument between the noisy popular liberal interventionist approach and the more conservative diplomatic approach concentrating on co-operation between other nations.Hurd concentrates on personalities and circumstances, beginning with the dramatic antagonism after Waterloo between Canning (liberal, populist, interventionist) and Castlereagh (institutions, compromise, real politics) - the last occasion on which ministerial colleagues fought a duel. Other personalities include Palmerston vs Aberdeen; Disraeli and his old friend and Foreign Secretary, Lord Derby; Salisbury and Edward Grey; and Eden and Bevin, who combined with the Americans to create a post-war compromise, which is coming apart today in an era of terrorism and racial conflict.

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