Bob Boothby: a Portrait

by Robert Rhodes James

Bob A Portrait by James, Robert Rhodes. 8vo.

Genres: History

476 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Sir Robert Vidal Rhodes James (10 April 1933 – 20 May 1999) was a British historian who served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1976 until 1992.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed, mostly (too?) sympathetic biography of a 20th-century politician of whom surprisingly few people have heard.

[Tony Siciliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very long and detailed biography of a lesser-known British politician. He represented his Scottish Aberdeenshire constituents for decades, working tirelessly for the fishing and herring industries. More interesting was his position as a maverick Tory who often opposed his party through the years. He was among the few MPs who opposed the policy of appeasement of Germany in the 1930s. His concern for the poor and working classes often pitted him against the more conservative members of his party. His charm, grace, and superb speaking ability made him a favorite of people in all parties. Part of him wished to hold a cabinet position, but he never felt it was worth compromising his integrity and beliefs. His relationship with Winston Churchill ran hot and cold, as they clashed on many issues. His opinion of Churchill was reverent but critical, characterizing Churchill as an opportunist who used people for his own ends. His personal life was a bit of a mess as he carried on a life-long affair with the wife of Harold Macmillan, as well as many other women. He married late and happily in life. He ultimately was made a Lord and continued his political agenda from the House of Lords and remained a respected and honored public figure. The author was a personal friend of Bob Boothby and, perhaps, glosses over two scandals that marred his image to a small degree. In any event, the book shed more light on a most interesting part of English history and the various personalities who shaped it.