This book explores the life and career of the 1st marquess of Dufferin and Ava (1826-1902). It links the landowning and aristocratic culture he was born into with his experience of governing across the British Empire, in Canada, Egypt, Syria and India.

Annie Tindley is Professor of British and Rural History at Newcastle University.

Prologue 1

1. Introducing Dufferin 4

2. Property 27

3. Irish questions: the empire within 53

4. Will to rule 83

5. Remits of power: governing the self-governed 112

6. Man on the spot: Dufferin as imperial problem solver 141

7. Ornamental empire?: Dufferin as viceroy 164

Conclusion: decline and fall 202