Lord Dufferin, Ireland and the British Empire, c. 1820-1900: Rule by the Best?

This book explores the life and career of the 1st marquess of Dufferin and Ava (1826–1902). It links the landowning and aristocratic culture he was born into with his experience of governing across the British Empire, in Canada, Egypt, Syria and India.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the remarkable life and illustrious career of Frederick Temple Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, the 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava (1826-1902). Dufferin, a multifaceted individual, hailed from Ulster as a landowner, a polished diplomat, a literary sensation, a courtier, a politician, a colonial governor, a collector, a son, a husband, and a father. The book employs a series of anecdotes from Dufferin's remarkable journey to establish a profound connection between his upbringing in landowning and aristocratic culture and his experiences governing across the vast British Empire. From his tenure in Canada, Egypt, Syria, and India, Dufferin's story unfolds, shedding light on the intricate interplay between his noble heritage and his role as a leader in a diverse array of territories.

The central argument of this book is that there existed a well-defined concept of aristocratic governance and purpose that permeated the political and imperial realm. This concept was grounded in two fundamental elements: the inheritance and management of a landed estate and a strong belief in the notion of "rule by the best." It identifies a distinct atmosphere of empire and aristocracy during the nineteenth century, characterized by tensions and apprehensions as those who considered themselves hereditary leaders of Britain and Ireland faced mounting challenges from a burgeoning democracy and, in Ireland, a powerful reimagining of what it meant to be Irish.

By offering a fresh perspective on both empire and aristocracy in this era, this book appeals to a broad scholarly audience as well as a wider public. It sheds light on the complexities and contradictions of a time when the boundaries between power, privilege, and identity were blurred, and provides valuable insights into the historical forces that shaped the world of the nineteenth century.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367712785