Conservative Revolutionary: The Lives of Lewis Namier

Sir Lewis Namier was a renowned historian who idealized the English gentleman and had close friendships with Winston Churchill. He is associated with the belief that elites' thoughts and actions matter most and with a view of politics in which personal and material advantage is the primary goal. This has made him a hero to social and political conservatives and a demonic figure to the Left. His first biography in over thirty years is based on a vast range of sources and includes rich new archival material.

Format: Hardback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 27 August 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Sir Lewis Namier, hailed as England's greatest historian after the Second World War, was an Eastern European immigrant who came to idealize the English gentleman and enjoyed close friendships with prominent figures of his time, including Winston Churchill. However, Namier's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he is celebrated for his insights into the political and social dynamics of his era, he is also criticized for his exaggerated views on the importance of elites and his dismissive attitude toward ideas in political discourse.

Namier's belief in the power of elites and his focus on personal and material advantage shaped his understanding of politics. He believed that the thoughts and actions of those in positions of power mattered most, and that those who entered public life were primarily motivated by self-interest. This view has made him a hero to social and political conservatives, who appreciate his emphasis on traditional values and his criticism of modern liberalism. On the other hand, the Left views Namier as a demonic figure, accusing him of ignoring the struggles of ordinary people and promoting a narrow vision of power and privilege.

Namier's preoccupation with nationalism, empire, and human motivation also contributed to his reputation in academic circles. He is famous for his statement that any reference to ideas in political discourse was nothing more than "flapdoodle," a dismissive comment that suggests a lack of intellectual rigor. While some scholars have criticized Namier for this statement, others argue that it reflects his belief in the practical importance of policy over abstract theory.

The first biography of Namier in over thirty years, "Namier: A Life" by Jonathan Riley-Smith, is based on a vast range of sources, including rich new archival material. Riley-Smith provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of Namier's life and career, exploring his political and social ideas, his relationships with key figures, and his impact on British history. The book sheds new light on Namier's complex personality and his contributions to the field of history.

In conclusion, Sir Lewis Namier was a fascinating and influential figure in British history, whose ideas and legacy continue to be debated and analyzed. While he is celebrated for his insights into the political and social dynamics of his era, he is also criticized for his exaggerated views on the importance of elites and his dismissive attitude toward ideas in political discourse. "Namier: A Life" by Jonathan Riley-Smith provides a valuable new perspective on Namier's life and career, shedding light on his complex personality and his contributions to the field of history.

Weight: 882g
Dimension: 168 x 242 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719086038