David Brown (42) (1972–)

David Brown's biography of Lord Palmerston provides a detailed portrait of a key 19th century British political figure. As the author and editor of several previous studies of Palmerston, he beings a wealth of knowledge of his subject, which he supplements with considerable archival research. At times, though, his strengths can be the book's weakness, as the text can get bogged down with the details of mid-19th century British foreign policy. Nevertheless, this book rewards perseverance, and is easily the best, most informative single-volume biography of Palmerston available.… (mere)