This book presents a study of Lord Salisbury, British prime minister in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, whose political philosophy was reactionary and defeatist, and who is remembered for an irony that was wounding as well as diverting.

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Lord Salisbury was one of the most influential Prime Ministers of the Victorian Age. This book presents an interpretation of his character and ideas which shaped the history of the United Kingdom and the Tory party in the nineteenth century. As Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, he was awarded with popular, and cross-party, support for the majority of his policies both at home and abroad. The most controversial aspect of his career was his resistance to Irish Home Rule, and this is re-examined in detail.
More than any other British statesman, Lord Salisbury was responsible for the successful international diplomacy that secured Britain's place among the great powers, and he guided the enormous territorial expansion of the British Empire during his time at the Foreign Office.

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The recent flashpoint of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee renews a long tradition of athlete-activists speaking out against racism, injustice, and oppression. Like Kaepernick, Jackie Robinson, Paul Robeson, Muhammad Ali, Bill Russell, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos-among many others, of all races, male and female, pro and amateur-all made the choice to take a side to command public awareness and attention rather than "shut up and play," as O. J. Simpson, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods did. Using their celebrity to demand change, these activists inspired fans but faced great personal and professional risks in doing so. It Was Always a Choice traces the history and impact of these decisive moments throughout the history of U.S. sports. David Steele identifies the resonances and antecedents throughout the twentieth century of the choices faced by athletes in the post-Kaepernick era, including the advance of athletes' political organizing in the era of activism following the death of George Floyd. He shows which athletes chose silence instead of action-"dropping the baton," as it were-in the movement to end racial inequities and violence against Black Americans. The examples of courageous athletes multiply as LeBron James, Megan Rapinoe and the activist-athletes of the NBA, WNBA, and NFL remain committed to fighting daily and vibrantly for social change.