Balfour and the British Empire

First published in 1968, Balfour and the British Empire displayed Denis Judd's acute perception both of Britain's imperial history and Arthur Balfour's puzzling personality.


Balfour's political career spanned the years from 1874 to 1929, during which time he saw Britain's acquisition of a new colonial empire, the disastrous Boer War, the beginning of India's progress towards independence, and the emergence of the Dominions as equal partners in the British Commonwealth. Towards many imperial problems Balfour showed a far-sightedness and a discernment which enabled him to encourage essential reform and also to point out paths of broader imperial development.


'An arresting, controversial study.' Sunday Telegraph


'A well-documented and readable book.' Rab Butler, Spectator


'An excellent study of British Imperial ideas; [Judd's] book is firmly based on an astute handling of material and a sensible and dispassionate presentation of it.' Times Literary Supplement