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The Whig Revival: 1808-1830 (Studies in Modern History (Palgrave))

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Will Hay has produced an elegantly crafted and diligently researched study of the shaping of the Whig Party after the Napoleonic Wars into a modern political organization. What he has done is to pick a point and personality in British parliamentary history that have been largely overlooked in studies of this kind. And he has presented his arguments in the context of a much broader discussion of the evolution of British parliamentary government, from the first decade of the nineteenth century into the Whig ascendancy of the 1830s.

William Hay's work THE WHIG REVIVAL: 1808-1832 is a well-written political monograph. Hay chronicles the numerous setbacks faced by the Whig Party during the time period 1808-1832, including such things as public skepticism about the party's views on the war in France and uncertainty as to the stability of party leaders. He ably demonstrates how, despite the numerous setbacks faced by the party, and numerous defeats, the Whig Party eventually does come to power.

Democrats and Republicans both would do well to pay attention to the tenacity shown by Brougham and the Whigs. Anyone looking for a strong political history; a history of England in the late Georgian period; or a terrific treatment of Henry Brougham's career should read this book. As an aside, I have to echo other reviewers in their wish for Hay to write a biography of Brougham. Hay's attention to detail and mastery of writing will serve well in bringing this interesting character to life once again.