Curzon: Imperial Statesman

''A fast-moving, entertaining and finely written story'' Simon Schama

''Masterly ... a remarkable portrait of a brilliant complex and tragic genius'' William Dalrymple, Los Angeles Times

George Nathaniel Curzon''s controversial life in public service stretched from the high noon of the British Empire to the traumatized years following the First World War. As Viceroy of India under Queen Victoria and Foreign Secretary under George V, the obsessive Lord Curzon left his unmistakable mark on the era. David Gilmour''s lucid and elegant biography is a brilliant assessment of Curzon''s character and achievements, offering a rich and dramatic account of the infamous vendettas, the turbulent friendships, and the passionate, reckless love affairs that complicated and enriched his life.

''A magnificent work ... entirely convincing in its evocation of Curzon''s extraordinary character ... It is, in short, the definitive life'' David Cannadine, Observer

''Exemplary biography ... meticulously researched and elegantly written'' C.A.Bayly, The Times Literary Supplement

''A superb new biography ... a tragic story, brilliantly told'' Andrew Roberts, Literary Review

''An absorbing, witty and intelligent biography ... David Gilmour''s mix of erudition, hard analysis and quizzical amusement will give this volume a unique place on the ever more crowded shelves of political biography'' Ben Pimlott, Independent on Sunday