Revival: Castlereagh (1936)

This book represents, on the one hand , the fulfilment of a long-cherished hope; on the other, an act of tardy expiation. The crime for which expiation is offered is partly collective. The reproach which lies on historians at large is considered in the Prologue. The personal crime can be confessed only through the more intimate medium of a Preface. More than thirty years ago I published a little book on George Canning (John Murray, 1903) in which I did less than justice to Castlereagh. The error was not peculier to me, and might perhaps be regarded as venial in a budding politician and inexperienced historian, who had spent some of the happiest evenings of his Oxford life in the famous club dedicated to Mr. Canning's memory. Yet all these years it has lain heavy on a conscience too tender perhaps for an active participant in politics. That participation combined with other circumstances to delay the expiation even now inadequately made. But, however inadequate, it cannot safely be deferred much longer.

Sir John Arthur Ransome Marriott taught modern history at Oxford University from 1884 to 1920. He was an Honorary fellow, formerly fellow, lecturer and tutor in modern History, of Worcester College, Oxford. He was Conservative member of Parliament for Oxford from 1917 to 1922, and for York from 1923 to 1929. After defeat in 1929 he retired from active politics.

1 Prologue - The Man and The Statesman 2 Birth, Parentage and Education 3 Castlereagh in The Irish Parliament 4 The 'Grattan Constitution' - Castlereagh and Reform 5 Castlereagh Chief Secretary - The French Republic and The Irish Rebellion 6 The Legislative Union - Castlereagh, Cornwallis and Pitt 7 At The India Office - Castlereagh and Wellesley 8 Secretary of State for war and The Colonies (1805-1806) 9 At The War Office - Castlereagh and Napolean 10 At The War Office - Castlereagh and Moore - The Walcheren Expedition 11 Castlereagh and Canning - Percival's Ministry 12 At The Foreign Office - The American War (1812-1814) 13 At The Foreign Office (1813-1814) The European Coalition 14 Castlereagh in Parliament (1812-1813) Leadership of The House of Commons 15 Castlereagh on Mission - The Grand Alliance 16 Castlereagh at The Congress of Vienna - The Hundred Days 17 Post-War England - Social Unrest - Castlereagh's Work 18 Castlereagh and Europe (1815-1822) - The Quadruple Alliance 19 The Last Years - The Eastern Question - Old and New Spain 20 The End - Epilogue and Appreciations Appendix - Select Bibliography Index