Walter Bagehot's The English Constitution (1867) is the best account of
the history and workings of the British political system ever written.
As arguments raged in mid-Victorian Britain about giving the working man
the vote, and democracies overseas were pitched into despotism and civil
war, Bagehot took a long, cool look at the "dignified" and "efficient"
elements which made the English system the envy of the world. His
analysis of the monarchy, the role of the prime minister and cabinet,
and comparisons with the American presidential system are astute and
timeless, pertinent to current discussions surrounding devolution and
electoral reform. Combining the wit and panache of a journalist with the
wisdom of a man of letters steeped in evolutionary ideas and historical
knowledge, Bagehot produced a book which is always thoughtful, often
funny, and surprisingly entertaining.This edition reproduces Bagehot's
original 1867 work in full, and introduces the reader to the dramatic
political events that surrounded its publication.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has
made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the
globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to
scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other
valuable features, including expert introductions by leading
authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date
bibliographies for further study, and much more.
