born Dec. 24, 1838, Blackburn, Eng.
died Sept. 23, 1923, Wimbledon, London
English politician and historian.
He worked as a journalist in London from 1860, mainly as editor of the liberal Fortnightly Review (1867–82). A supporter of Home Rule bills. As secretary for India (1905–10), he brought elected Indian representation into the government. He also wrote acclaimed historical works, including biographies of Gladstone, Voltaire , {{link=Rousseau, Jean-Jacques">Jean-Jacques Rousseau , and Oliver Cromwell .