Cock of the Walk: A Mid-Victorian Rumpus - Hardcover

Lewis, Roy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0720609429 ISBN 13: 9780720609424

Publisher: Peter Owen Ltd, 1996

Synopsis

An ingenious reconstruction of an episode in English social and religious history, based in the mid-Victorian era at the time of the Great Exhibition. A medley of figures, the good and the great, flit across the stage. These, and the ambience of the period are authentically captured in an entertaining narrative, spiced with a selection of satirical engravings from Punch. The author states that none of the characters who play a part in this historical narrative is imaginary, but readers may find some historical facts with a bit of adjustment in the order of events"". 1995, Illus. with 12 engravings from Punch,

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Cock of the Walk is an ingenious reconstruction of an episode in English social and religious history. It is based in the mid-Victorian era, at the turn of the Great Exhibition, and has echoes today. Pope Pius IX hopes that the newly appointed Cardinal Wiseman, Archbishop of Westminster, will spread the papal message throughout Britain. But he has misjudged the strength of the 'anti-popery' establishment and the power of the press. Should the British retaliate with a naval blockade? Lord Palmerston, the Foreign Secretary rejects the idea. The Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, is indecisive on this and other matters, including the erection of the Crystal Palace. He half hopes it will fall down and so divert attention from Wiseman. Thomas Carlyle bemoans the lack of political vision, of leadership.... Meanwhile other activities are afoot, including political intrigue. The Queen and Prince Albert are brazen in their views of those in the corridors of power. Her Majesty cannot abide that upstart Disraeli. A medley of contemporary figures, the good and the great, flit across the stage. These and the ambience of the period are authentically captured in an entertaining narrative, spiced with a selection of satirical engravings from Punch.

About the Author:

Lewis is a Welshman who was educated in Bristol and Durham. He is a former college principal and Inspector of Schools and has written some forty crime novels, published in the UK and overseas. He runs business training programs and he has interests in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

About this edition

• Publisher: Peter Owen Ltd
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0720609429
• ISBN 13: 9780720609424
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 156