The English Constitution

In his introduction to this new edition of Walter Bagehot's classic Richard Crossman writes: "First composed as a series of essays for the Fortnightly, The English Constitution was published in book form in 1867-the very year of Disraeli's Reform Act which abruptly and finally ended the period of classical parliamentary government it describes. As an account of contemporary fact, the book was out of date almost before it could be reviewed. Since then we have had countless studies by political scientists and constitutional lawyers, interpersed occasionally with the reflections of a retired politician. Yet for anyone who wants to understand the workings of British politics-be he university student, foreign observer or merely a curious elector-The English Constitution still remains the best introduction available."