One of the peculiarities of British history is the development of a constitution headed by the Crown and the two Houses of Parliament. This system emerged to become a balance of democracy, efficiency and moderation that became the admiration of the world.

The contribution of the House of Lords to this balance is all too often overlooked. In this richly documented four-volume work, the author offers a detailed examination of the Lords’ constitutional position and the predicament they faced as the times changed and pressures for reform ebbed and flowed.

Drawing on speeches, letter, reports and memoranda of the times (some never previously published), the six books in this four-volume set bring to life the inner wranglings and arresting personalities of a divided House.