Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who now seems a remote figure, died at No. 10 Downing Street only sixty-five years ago. He had known the extremes of political failure and success. At one time he was execrated as a man who was said to sympathise with the enemies of his country. He was denounced day after day in The Times and his company was shunned by his Sovereign. But within four years of this he led the Liberal Party to its most overwhelming victory, and overnight became an immensely popular Prime Minister, with a unique position in the House of Commons. This is a first life of Campbell-Bannerman to appear since 1923, since when many new papers have become available. John Wilson reveals him as a much more considerable -- and charming -- character than many people suppose.