Studies of the political history of eighteenth-century Scotland have tended to concentrate on political management at the national level, and have given the impression that the government manager dominated political life to the exclusion of all other influences. This important book looks further down the political ladder and examines the methods of management which proved successful at the grassroots level of the constituencies. There the actions and opinions of local magnates had to mesh with the ambitions and loyalties of freeholders to determine the results of elections and the consequent success or failure of the elaborate plans drawn up by national politicians. The great men in London could arrange and compromise; they could obtain a supply of suitable patronage to sustain the candidate whom they favoured. But, as Ronald M Sunter clearly shows, their schemes could be thwarted by the freeholders and burgh leaders.
The first section of the book gives an overview of patronage and political management in the period; this is followed by a series of detailed studies of the course of events in a number of key elections.
One of the advantages of new technology is that it enables hard-to-find books to be made available again. We are pleased to present the first fruits of exploring John Donald's classic backlist of academic titles. Not only do we hope to add more titles to the list but look forward to bringing in other titles suitable for this system as time goes on.
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