5636. The Triumph of Lord Palmerston A Study of Public Opinion in England before the Crimean War, by Kingsley Martin (read 3 Jul 2019) This book was written in 1924 and its 'new and revised edition' was published in 1963. It might seem pretty esoteric but actually is a thoughtful and well-written account of how England entered into the Crimean War in 1853-1854. In those times I suppose it was not considered so dangerous to enter into a war but the effect of Britain going to war was actually pretty devastating. If England and France had not gone to war Russia may well have occupied Constantinople and it is thought-provoking to think about how the history since that time might have been different if that had happened. I suspect that the balance of power in Europe may have been a real reason for England going to war, though public opinion was much exercised by the fear of Russia and feeling that the Ottoman Empire was an underdog being bullied by Russia. The book was as I proceeded to read it more fascinating than I expected as I was slogging through its opening pages, dealing with a long ago war about whose origins I was not overly familiar. I am glad I read this.. ( )