Of Interior Matters: Gladstone’s Diary, Disraeli’s Letters and Recent Biographical Studies

Abstract

Pays homage to Matthew for his lifelong devotion to bringing out a masterful scholarly edition of Gladstone’s diaries. Also praises the work of the editors of Disraeli’s letters. Finds both studies of the influence of religion on Gladstone’s political career illuminating; by contrast, Weintraub’s biography of Disraeli seems misguided in its political assessments though helpful in explaining the importance of Disraeli’s Jewish background.