Sir William Vernon Harcourt (1827-1904) served, at various times, as deputy leader of the Liberals in the British House of Commons and as chancellor of the Exchequer. This biography examines his career in politics, which was aided by his close relationship with his son Lewis, who served as his private secretary and confidential adviser. The papers of Lewis serve as a primary source for the biography, as they did for the last major biography of Harcourt published 80 years ago, but they are supplemented by diaries and letters newly available. Distributed by Associated University Presses. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR