ANGLO-AMERICANS - PRIMARY ENGLISH PRIME MINISTERS





PATHWAY OF THE RULER AS LIBERAL LIBERTINE LIBERTARIAN:
Storyline: The royal rake tempers his lusts not one whit in moving from regal to plebeian to popular realms, while etching a unique profile on the thrones, House seats, and musical chairs he has held, as a champion of his own progressive and successive self interests.
Bob Geldof (Robert Frederick Xenon Geldof) (1951) - Irish musician and activist. Outer: Grandfather was a Belgian immigrant. Father was a traveling textile salesman. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, with two older sisters. His mother died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage when he was 7, which would be the most traumatic event of his life. Raised by his sisters, he experienced a lonely childhood, and was often at odds with his sire. Always wanted to be a rock star in recompense for the missing pieces of his early life. 6’2”, 150 lbs. Left school at 17, and worked at a variety of jobs, including busker, meatpeacker and roadworker, before briefly moving to Canada and becoming a music journalist for an underground Vancouver music review. Returned to Ireland in 1975, and together with a group of unemloyed mates, with no musical experience between them, formed a pub group, the Boomtown Rats, as a lead singer, and quickly became known for his loud, demonstrative sound. The unruly group, which combined reggae with mod-rock, fit perfectly into the punk scene, and by 1978, it had established itself as a commercial success. The following year they became an international phenomenon with “I Don’t Like Mondays,” the plaint of an American serial killer for her mindless murderous spree. In 1981, he began the first of many charity benefits, which would come to define his larger career. Inspired U2 singer Bono to do the same through the show, and the two would separately go on to become rock’s most prominent voices in trying to change the world and raise consciousness through benefit concerts. In 1984, he created Band Aid, as a means of directing the world’s attention to starving Ethiopian children, and the ‘Aid’ concept would go on to serve comedians and other entertainers for a host of causes, involving as they did large audiences for the basic concerts, and then electronic recreations of them through various media, including TV, radio and albums. Like Bono, he would focus on African relief, and would find enormous support for his efforts, not only from his audiences, but from the media outlets who broadcast and recorded them, and saw their own little goldmines of good works and profit in the energy generated by his marathon shows. ‘Live Aid,’ in particular, staged in 1985 in venues in both the U.S. and U.K. would generate £150 million in famine relief, causing him to be knighted afterwards, although the appellation of ‘Sir’ before his name was denied him, since he was not a citizen of the Commonwealth. Co-penned his autobiography, “Is That It?” as a result of all the attention, despite only being in his mid-30s at the time. The money he raised, however, would fall into ambiguous hands in some cases, furthering, rather than halting, the oppressive circumstance for which it was goodheartedly intended. At the end of the 1970s, he met teenaged Paula Yates, who would later become his wife as well as a rock journalist, after evincing an early obsession with him. The duo got married in 1986 and had a daughter, although not necessarily in that order, and would later add two more of the same to their brood, including Peaches, who would quickly become a DJ and a model, as well as tabloid fodder, through her hearty partying, drug use and shoplifting as a teenage drama queen, and Pixie, who would follow in her sibling’s unsteady footsteps. Left the Boomtown Rats in 1986 for a solo career, while also working as a DJ, although musical expression would gradually take a back seat to all his other enterprises. Because of his various infidelities, his wife eventually left him in 1995 for another musician, Australian rock star, Michael Hutchence, and they would divorce in 1996. The following year, Hutchence hanged himself in part over the bitter custody dispute that ensued, which subsequently caused him to go to court to get full custody of his daughters and become an advocate of fathers’ rights. Yates would overdose in 2000, and he would get custody of the daughter she had by Hutchence as well. A serial seducer, he would have a long string of amours, while ultimate settling in England. In 1992, he co-founded Planet 24, a TV production company, which he ultimately sold, then launched an online travel business, which he also trafficked, netting some $17 million, and making him quite rich. Took up the cudgels for Africa again following the turn of the century, and became one of the commissioners of Africa on a panel that undertook a year long study of the continent’s complex problems. Created a series of free concerts called the Live 8 project to raise awareness in various venues in Europe, Canada, Japan, Russia, South Africa and the U.S. with a veritable all-star lineup, as a prelude to a G8 summit meeting of the major economic powers of the world. Criticized for not including African acts, as well as serving as a shill for the British Labor Party’s political interests, although he brushed off both negative assessments. Less interested in performing as he has gotten older, he has put most of his energy after century’s turn in campaigning for debt relief along with Bono, although continues to sporadically release albums and give concerts, despite an embarrassing lack of interest in the latter. Raised some eyebrows by praising Pres. George Bush’s Africa policies in 2007, and unlike many other activists is a proponent of nuclear energy. Despite his considerable wealth, he wound up the subject of a suit by his former fellow bandmates for withholding profits from them. Inner: As in all his lives in this series, a study in contrasts and contradictions, despite a genuine desire to make the world a better and more aware place. Excellent organizer, with a finely-attuned social sense, and ironically, to many, a better ear for political and economic realities than musical melodies. Temperamental, argumentative, thoroughly uninhibited and earthy, with a boomtown gift for making his wishes manifest. Activist lifetime of grabbing a public stage for himself, and then quickly turning it from the pop to the political, to become a self-styled crusader for world economic equality, while trying, as usual, to elevate everyone else, including, for once, himself.
David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor (1863-1945) - Welsh prime minister and statesman. Outer: Mother was the daughter of a minister, father was a Welsh school headmaster turned farmer who died of pneumonia when his son was one, leaving the family in poverty. The middle of three, with an older sister and a younger brother born posthumously after his sire’s death. Grew up in the household of his mother’s brother, a shoemaker and later a minister, who gave his nephew many of his Liberal beliefs. Educated locally, as well as at home. Articled to a firm of solicitors at the age of 14, he set up his own practice in 1885 and quickly established a reputation via the courts, ultimately taking his brother in with him, while becoming active politically. Tall, broad-shouldered, and extremely well-endowed, with a silver voice and a magnetic personality. After many affairs, he married Margaret Owen, the daughter of a prosperous farmer and deacon in 1888, 5 children from the union, with a son Gwilym, and a daughter, Megan, both following in his political footsteps, while he continued his compulsively seductive ways throughout his marriage, including a hushed-up pregnancy with a Liberal Party activist only months after his wedding. Entered Parliament in 1890 as a Liberal with radical, anti-imperialist sympathies, and held the same seat for 55 years. Made his maiden speech his first year on temperance reform. Unscrupulous, but a highly effective legislator, debater and reformer, becoming a leader of the radical wing of the party. Nearly lynched in Birmingham for his opposition to the Boer War. Became a Cabinet member in 1905, where he helped settle strikes, then President of the Board of Trade, before suffering the death of a daughter at 17 in 1907. The following year he became chancellor of the Exchequer in the ministry of his political foe Herbert Asquith, where he introduced state pensions for the first time, and rode roughshod over the landed aristocracy, winning him the subsequent reputation as the father of the British Welfare State. Formed a ‘People’s Budget,’ which ultimately curtailed the power of the House of Lords after precipitating a constitutional crisis. Suffered damage to his reputation through some financial shenanigans, although WW I proved a boon for his career, when he was made minister of munitions, using unorthodox methods to supply front-line British troops. Resigned in protest over the direction of the war, then succeeded Asquith as Prime Minister of a coalition government in 1916, becoming the first and only Welshman to hold that post. Saved from death when he was called away from the ship that eventually was sunk by a mine, claiming the life of Gen. Horatio Kitchener (Charles Bronson). Aggressive and imaginative, albeit a controversial leader during WW I, he was not a particularly good military strategist, overseeing some costly blunders, although his coalition government won a huge majority in 1918, after the conflict, while he was viewed as a national hero for the systems he inaugurated. Signed the Treaty of Versailles, while clashing with his Allied partners over their call for crushing reparations for defeated Germany, then reluctantly oversaw Irish independence in 1921, reversing his original policy to the undying hatred of the more recalcitrant Tories in Parliament. Resigned in 1922 after a party revolt, thanks to a belief in his own indispensability, which caused his ultimate fall. Headed a weakened Liberal party in the later half of the 1920s. Wrote his memoirs in the 1930s, tried to institute an American-style New Deal, which failed to capture anyone’s imagination, and revealed his racist overview of the rest of the undeveloped world. In mid-decade, he gave German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler, a hearty thumbs-up, before later realizing the error of his assessment, and declined a position in the WW II War Cabinet, stating he thought Britain’s chances of winning were dim. The latter part of his career was long, sad and anticlimactic. After his loyal wife’s death, he married his personal secretary and longtime mistress, Frances Stevenson in 1943, after she had been with him for 3 decades, in what had been a double life for him, and continual lies and deception on her part, including an abortion early in their relationship, as well as another one later on. Stevenson finally producing a longed-for daughter in 1929, whom she proceeded to adopt for appearance sake, although the child’s paternity would remain in question, since she was having her one and only other affair at the time, with someone else in his office. Elevated to the peerage 2 months before his death from cancer. Inner: Self-assured, charming, witty, and a notorious libertine, who was known as “the Welsh Wizard.” Audacious, high-spirited, hubristic with an irrepressible sense of humor and a scathing wit. Lusty lifetime of pursuing his own self-interest on a national political level, until his own failed sense of infallibility did him in.
Charles James Fox (1749-1806) - English statesman and orator. Outer: 2nd surviving son of a pleasure-loving aristocrat of leisure who ran through a fortune, then married Caroline Lennox (Christina Ricci), daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, and known as a woman of loose repute, in what would prove an extremely happy union, despite the near two decade difference in their ages. Descended from Charles II (Peter O’Toole) of England and Henri IV (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) of France on his mother’s side. A child prodigy who could read in Greek, French, Latin and Italian, as well as English, he also had a passion for mathematics. Educated at Hertford College, Oxford, where he developed a lifelong love for the classics. His sire actively encouraged his sense of dissoluteness, and he incurred huge gambling debts, which his father settled just before his death. Dark, fat and hairy, albeit a compulsive bustle-chaser. Wound up with two illegitimate children, a deaf son, and a dimwitted daughter whom he supported. Bet on virtually everything, and ultimately owed £120,000, a phenomenal sum for the time. Later, political friends finally freed him from debt and gave him a comfortable income, allowing him to abandon his addiction in gratitude afterwards. Entered Parliament in 1768, when his father procured him a seat. George III (Jeffrey Archer) took a strong dislike to him, and he spent most of his career in opposition to the king’s government, waging a long vendetta against him. Became a Whig leader in Commons, violently opposing England’s war with the American colonists. An extremely forceful speaker, he was appointed the first foreign secretary in England’s his/story. Resigned rather than serving under the king’s choice for prime minister following the American Revolution, and forced an unpopular coalition government on him, with himself as co-secretary of state. Twice went bankrupt during the 1780s, but was saved from going under financially by his friends. Supported the king’s dissolute son, the future George IV (Warren Beatty), which further enraged the sovereign, and the coalition soon fell. An enthusiast for the French Revolution, although he recognized its horrors as well. Political foe of Wm. Pitt the Younger (J. William Fulbright), whom he refused to accommodate. Great political talent, foe of oppression, albeit no democrat, believing in aristocratic rule based on property ownership. In 1795, he secretly married Elizabeth Armistead (Paula Yates), a former courtesan with whom he had lived with for a dozen years, in a mutually supportive union, in which she served as his prime confidante and closest friend. No children, and the union, which was well-known anyway, was finally revealed 7 years later, after the couple took a trip to France. Became foreign secretary again in 1806, with the desire to abolish the slave trade and negotiate peace with France, but his health was failing. Needed a wheelchair for his gout at the end, and he soon followed Pitt in death, winding up buried beside him in Westminster Abbey. Inner: Charming libertine and great champion of liberty. No real sense of judgment, but possessed endless charm and generosity, with a real gift for friendship. Loved by his friends, and despised by his enemies, and had the good fortune to have an intimate partner with whom he could completely every element of his life for his last 16 years. Libertarian lifetime of bringing his sense of largesse to his own ruling class sensibilities, while acting as his own worst enemy in his recalcitrant stands against standing authority.
Thomas Wharton, 1st Marquess of Wharton (1648-1715) - English politician. Outer: Father was a baron, Puritan Parliamentarian and soldier, who spent time in the Tower of London. Raised in Puritanical fashion, and spent the rest of his life in rebellion against his upbringing, with a reputation as a libertine and gambler that followed him throughout his career. After traveling, he entered Parliament in 1673. The same year, he married Nan Lee, the daughter of a baronet, no children from the union. His wife’s handsome dowry supported his fascination with thoroughbred horses. Held various posts connected with the royal court, and retained his power throughout his lifetime, albeit was mistrusted for his libertinism. Spared no expense for his elections, buying ale for his constituents, while fighting 2 political duels. A political enemy of James II (Martin Sheen), he composed a satiric ballad against him. A supporter of William III (Lyndon Johnson), when he came to power in 1688, he enjoyed several posts under him. Thoroughly despised by Queen Anne (Princess Anne), who deprived him of his posts, when she ascended the throne in 1702, although he maintained influence in Whig circles, while becoming lord-lieutenant of Ireland, and then opposition leader to the Tory government, before ending his career as lord privy seal. Inner: Fun-loving, mischief-making. Reputation for lying, known facetiously as ‘Honest Tom Wharton.’ Occupied by both vice and politics. Bawdy and profane, he was viewed as villainous and insolent. Transition lifetime of making the bridge in the realm of power from French to English culture, while maintaining his pleasure-loving demeanor, and proving to be a peripheral politician when not ensconced in royal robes.
Francois I (1494-1547) - King of France. Known as ‘le grand roi Francois.’ Outer: Only son of a French count who was first cousin to the king. His father died when he was 2, and he was brought up by his ambitious mother, Louise of Savoy, to whom he always knelt whenever he addressed her. Very attached to his sister, the brilliant Marguerite of Navarre (Eleanor Roosevelt). Grew up undisciplined, with a strong sense of chivalry. Athletic with elegant manners. Married at 20, to Claude (Kathy Acker), the hunchbacked eldest daughter of his predecessor, Louis XII (Bernard Kouchner), 7 children including his short-lived dauphin, Francis (Richard Pryor), his successor Henri II (Robert Downey, Jr.), his favorite Charles (Ryan O’Neal) and the equally short-lived Madeleine (Peaches Geldof), who would sit on the throne of Scotland for a few brief months. Ascended to the throne at the age of 20. Brave in battle, he constantly toured his realm, showing himself to his subjects, who had never seen their king, while familiarizing himself with the length and breadth of his realm. Emptied the prisons, while dispensing largess on his flock. Loved ostentatious display, and saw himself as a Renaissance ideal, maintaining a magnificent, scholarly court. Huge, broad-shouldered, acromegalic, and near-sighted with a mephistophelian look about him. Patron of artists, building and learning, Leonardo da Vinci (Gordon Parks) died in his arms. Had many mistresses, several of whom held power at court, including his closest squeeze, Anne de Pisseleu d’Heilly (Paula Yates), as well as a host of illegitimate children. Continually involved in foreign wars, many of them failures, while bringing the French Renaissance to its fullest flower. His prodigality and failed foreign conquests foreshadowed the future French court. Victim of the ambitions of HRE Charles V (Napoleon Bonaparte), who ultimately undid him. Held prisoner by the latter in Madrid in 1525, where he composed sad songs and his health began to fail. Recovered, but his open personality changed, and he began to suffer mood swings and other physical and emotional inconsistencies. Abdicated while still in prison, before concluding a harsh treaty that released him in 1526, although his 2 sons were held hostage for 4 more years, while he reclaimed the throne. After his first wife’s death, he was betrothed by proxy to Eleanor of Hapbsburg, the widow of the king of Portugal, to seal a reconciliation with Charles. Both unions were happy, despite his many infidelities. Emptied his treasuries ransoming his sons, and the toll of his defeat by Charles made him prematurely old, exacerbated by the death of his mother. Forced to deal with the growing religious fanaticism of his own country, his last years were extremely sad, as he was borne about on a litter, while he was forced to experience the deaths of the Dauphin and his most beloved son. Probably died of syphilis. Inner: Lusty, energetic, and libidinous monarch, comparable to contemporary Henry VIII (Maxwell Beaverbrook), who enjoyed a similar life-span. Quick-minded, excellent memory, although not particularly realistic in his projections. Outgoing, honest, inexhaustible, trusting, albeit a poor politician. Had a great love of glory and grandeur, and wished France to be foremost in Europe in both war and artistic expression. Larger-than-life lifetime of extending his shining personality onto a brilliant court while culturally enhancing his kingdom, themes he had also successfully accomplished in the past, only to fall victim to the greater will of his enemy, and in so doing, fall victim to his own failings as well.
Charles of Burgundy (1433-1477) - French duke. Known as Charles the Bold. Outer: Son of Philippe the Good (FDR), the Duke of Burgundy. Mother was a Portuguese princess. Friend of the dauphin, later Louis XI (Adolf Hitler), who spent 5 years in Burgundy before his accession. Showed himself to be a good student, as well as an enthusiastic participant in war exercises. Married in his early 20s to Catherine of France, the daughter of a Bourbon noble, who died 8 years after their union. Given the reins of government by his sire in 1465, because of his failing health, and immediately entered into a lifelong struggle with Louis XI over the autonomy of his duchy, which he wanted to make into a kingdom, with himself as monarch. Showed his bravery in battle, and enjoyed early success, which made Louis nervous, Succeeded his father in his early 30s, freed his possessions from French control and organized them as a state. Eschewed the wastefulness of his father’s court in favor of rebuilding his army and administrating his territories, although still maintained a lavish court, with a trained network of servants. Took foreign mercenaries into his pay, while continually trying to extend his influence and power. Contentiously involved himself with a variety of rulers over territories, thanks to Louis having incited them against him. Made an alliance with Edward IV (Errol Flynn) of England, marrying his sister Margaret of York (Elizabeth Taylor) in his mid-30s. In between, he had another marriage with a French noblewoman, Isabella of Bourbon (Paula Yates). A daughter from this marriage, Mary of Burgundy (Peaches Geldof) married the HRE Maximilian I (Charles de Gaulle). Continued doing back and forth battle with Louis, while centralizing his government, hiring mercenaries, and taxing his parliament heavily. When Louis accused him of treason in 1471, he invaded France with a large army, and took possession of Nesle, while massacring its inhabitants. Ravaged the country as far as Rouen, but was forced to retire, without having done anything of use towards his own aims. The last 3 years of his life saw his ambitions muted. Ultimately killed in battle and his body was mutilated, as were his dreams, and Burgundy ceased to be a state with his death. Inner: Impetuous, gallant, kingly and morally austere. Knew how to touch the hearts of his subjects, despite his incredible harshness against his enemies in battle. Intelligent, witty and cultured, a true Renaissance prince, but also obstinate, and unwilling to compromise or adapt. Chivalrous lifetime of living the romantic Renaissance ideal, replete with an early death that shattered all his dreams, while continuing the process of opening himself up to more of his inner humanity.
Dagobert I (605-639) Known as ‘le bon roi Dagobert.’ - King of France. Outer: Father was the Frankish king, Clotaire II (FDR). Succeeded him at the age of 18, to begin a 10 year reign. Maintained an extravagant and brilliant court, while extending his kingdom through treaties and warfare to become monarch of all the Franks in 629. Well-served by his chief adviser. Moved the capital to Paris, in order to govern his lands more centrally. Patronized arts and learning, and the kingdom flourished under him for a while, despite his tendencies towards debauchery and excessive display. The last of the Merovingians to direct his own armies, he was also generous to the Church, although he also used it as a source of revenue for his own luxuriant tastes. Had at least 3 wives, as well as a countless host of concubines, 2 sons succeeded him as kings. Allowed royal authority to revert back to the hands of the aristocracy. Stabbed in the eye while sleeping. Last of the line of the legendary Merovech to exercise personal rule, and when he died, after a 16 year reign, a royal rot set in, and he was followed by a series of puppet monarchs, while the real rulers were the Mayors of the Palace. Inner: Greedy, dissolute, imperious, but with a sense of fair play. During his era, the legend of his ancestor, Merovech, the founder of the Merovingian line, rose springing from a supernatural seahorse, as a reflection of his own larger-than-life glory. Integrated lifetime of spectacular display and prosperous rule, a monarch well-matched with his age and time.
Marcus Commodus (161-192) - Roman emperor. Outer: Son of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (Martin Heidigger), one of a pair of twins, the other dying young. 10th of 14 children, and the only son to survive infancy. Extremely handsome, dissolute and vicious, as well as left-handed, one of the few emperors so endowed. Made Caesar at 5 and Imperator at 10. Became joint emperor with his father the following year and then sole emperor at the age of 19, after 3 years of military action. Married at 16 to Bruttia Crispina (Pala Yates), the daughter of a commander. After accusing his wife of adultery, she was banished to Capri a decade later, then executed, no children from the union. Maintained a harem of 600 concubines, equally divided between young women and boys. Initially used his father’s advisers, then reversed his sire’s policies by effecting a treaty with his enemies. Ruled through his favorites, while remaining hostile to the Senate. Uncovered a plot to murder him by close associates including his sister, and was extremely suspicious afterwards, littering his reign with the bodies of his subordinates, while allowing no one else, save himself, centerstage. A self-obsessed athlete, who wished to be worshiped as a god, he renamed the months after all his titles. Believed himself a manifestation of Hercules, adopting both his dress of lion skins and weapons. Set up elaborate gladiatorial combats, with himself competing in staged events, and descended into megalomaniacal madness. Charged the Roman treasury huge sums for each of his appearances, which numbered over 700, and virtually bankrupted it. Always rubbed the blood of his victims into his hair. Particularly loved hurling weapons at animals in the arena from a safe distance. When it was revealed that he intended to appear as a consul in gladiatorial costume, he was poisoned and then strangled in his own tub by one of his wrestlers with the appropriate name of Narcissus, the Grecian god of self-absorption. His reign ushered in a century of martial law where armies made and deposed his subsequent successors. Inner: Unbalanced, unintegrated and increasingly unable to countenance any realities other than his projected own. Easily influenced by others, prone to his own darkness. Ironically, the son of an extremely rational father, showing himself to be an apostle of irrationality. Acting-out lifetime of living out the madness of absolute megalomania, allowing only one/half of his twin energies to the fore as reflection of the self-absorbed martial empire he had inherited, and also as a release for himself. Gaius Glaucia (?-100BZ) - Roman politician. Outer: Closely associated with populist politician Lucius Saturninus (Aneurin Bevan), employing the same methods of combining popular legislation, with strong-arm street tactics to support their senatorial moves. Along with him, he was able to withstand a movement by Quintus Metellus (Boris Johnson) to expel both from the Senate in 102 BZ, when they attempted to push their legislation through by popular violence. Elected tribune in 101 BZ and praetor, or magistrate, the following year. Broke with constitutional rules, when he tried standing for the consulship in 100 BZ, and instigated the violent death of a rival. Along with Saturninus and their followers, he was arrested on Capitoline Hill, and locked in the Senate house. Their enemies then tore off the roof, and stoned them to death from above. Inner: Muscle-flexing lifetime of showing a complete disregard for republican law’n’order, by using any means possible to implement his programs, in his ongoing libertine and licentious lessons around rule.
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PATHWAY OF THE MISTRESS/MATE AS MAJOR MISCHIEF-MAKER:
Storyline: The polymorphous partner entwines herself with the same longtime family members in various guises as a means of expressing her own sense of personal power, although finds it very difficult when she loses her true loves to the dark hand of death, and is forced to soldier on alone.
Paula Yates (1959-2000) - English journalist and TV personality. Outer: Mother was showgirl, actress and erotic novelist Elaine Smith, who used the nom d’illusion of Heller Toren for her various enterprises. Father was thought to be Jess Yates, an English documentary director, children's TV programmer and religious television host known as “the Bishop,” until a DNA test proved her real sire was popular but volatile English TV host Hughie Green, who had had a secret obsession with her, ever since he first saw her on the telly. Lived mostly with her mother in an unsettled household, with periods spent in Malta and Majorca. Her parents separated and divorced in 1975, after her nominal sire lost his job the previous annum, when it was revealed he was involved with a much younger actress. Went to schools in Wales, as well as one in Majorca, and became obsessed with Boomtown Rats lead singer Bob Geldof as a teenager. Slim and blonde. The duo eventually married in 1986, after a decade together and had three daughters, including Peaches Geldof, who would fashion a public career for herself as well, following her mother’s premature death, and Pixie, who would do the same. Posed for Penthouse magazine in 1978, then became a rock journalist, with a column called “Natural Blonde” in the Record Mirror. Followed both her fathers’ footsteps by becoming a TV host and co-presenter, and also wrote two books on motherhood. Gained notoriety for her “on the bed” interviews for the daily morning show,“The Big Breakfast,” produced by her husband’s production company. After doing a bed interview with Australian rock singer, Michael Hutchence, she left her husband for him, and the pair divorced in 1996. A bitter custody dispute between her and Geldof would ensue, which would be partially responsible for the hanging suicide of Hutchence, after the pair produced another daughter. Completely thrown by his death, she attempted suicide herself, and never really recovered from the loss. The following year Geldof won full custody of their three daughters, while she was forced to fight with the Hutchence family for custody of her remaining child, as well as some of his estate. Struggled mightily with grief, financial difficulties and growing addiction problems, while seeking psychiatric help for her overwhelming problems. Found out her father was not who she thought he was, adding to her own sense of insecurity, as her life grew ever smaller and more out-of-control. Ultimately died on the 10th birthday of her second youngest daughter of an accidental overdose of heroin. Inner: Highly emotional, and equal parts self-destructive and self-expressive. Drama queen lifetime of finally stepping stage center, only to be undone once again by an early exiting mate, and allowing her sense of abandonment to overwhelm and destroy her.
Katherine O’Shea (Katherine Wood) (1846-1921) - English political helpmate. Outer: Father was a baronet, while one older brother became a field marshal. Known as Katie to her close associates. Against her mother’s wishes, she married adventurer William O’Shea in 1867. No children from the union. Her extravagant husband, an officer in the Hussars at the time of their wedding, subsequently went into debt and sold his commission to buy into his uncle’s bank in Madrid. The duo settled in Spain, only to see him have a fallout with his uncle, forcing them to return to London, where they started a stud farm, which quickly went bankrupt. The duo then returned to Spain, where her husband managed a sulfur mine for a year and a half, until it, too, folded. The pair were kept going during these failures by a wealthy aunt, before she finally separated from her husband in 1875, and moved in with the former in Kent as a companion, after she had become widowed. Her husband stayed in London, and saw her only on rare visits, while he pursued his own political career. Met Irish politician Charles Parnell (Bono) in 1880, in what would prove to be an instance of love at first sight. Although her husband initially challenged him to a duel, he probably saw that at some point the connection could prove politically advantageous to him, and let the matter drop. Proved to be extremely useful to Parnell in his political dealings because of her family connections and close support. The duo subsequently produced three children, with two daughters surviving infancy. In 1886, Parnell moved in with her, and at the same time forced his party to accept her husband as a candidate for Galway, despite the opposition of many. In 1889, her husband extracted his revenge by filing for divorce with Parnell as a corespondent, making their relationship a public matter. The revelation was more than enough to end Parnell’s effectiveness as a politician, as he was deserted by many of his supporters. With his health ruined and his public life all but over, he married her in 1891, although he died five months later in her arms, the victim of an inflammation of the lungs, as well as a genetic disposition among the male members of his family, including his father and grandfather, to make early exits. Experienced chronic emotional breakdowns afterwards, with the heart largely having gone out of her life, despite living another three decades. Wrote a biography of Parnell in 1914, and spent her remaining years in obscurity. Parnell’s former bodyguard would become her protector, and also penned two pro-Parnell volumes much later defending the actions of his employer. Inner: Effervescent and adventurous, although ultimately domestic at heart, with an inability to countenance life without a close partner. Unhappy ending lifetime of following her heart with her alternate family member, before being forced to suffer a long, gloomy aftermath without him, like most of her go-rounds in this series.
Elizabeth Armistead (Elizabeth Brigid Cane) (1750-1842) - English courtesan. Outer: Her beginnings are totally obscured. May have taken her name from an early protector. Probably started her working girl’s life in a high class brothel. Appeared on the stage for a short time, before deciding she would be better served exploiting her sexuality for both fun and profit. Briefly involved with the Prince of Wales (Warren Beatty), before deciding she needed someone who handled his finances better, and wound up serially with two dukes, an earl, and a viscount among others, while accruing considerable wealth for herself, including two houses and a host of servants. In her early 30s, she became reacquainted with Whig politician Charles James Fox (Bob Geldof), who was a year older than she. In the small society they operated, she had already been mistress to several of his friends. A good listener, she immediately won both his love and trust after they became lovers, and he treated her as an equal and valuable ally. The two became monogamous, although she harbored doubts about whether he would continue to support her. Threatened to move to the continent and take her chances there, but he professed his love for her, and she decided to stay, even though his gambling had rendered him impecunious. Used her own skills to keep him afloat, and his friends eventually helped them right themselves financially, at which point he gave up his gambling addiction. As well as being deeply in love, both were best of friends, and wound up serving as one of the inspiring celebrity love stories of the century, although until they fully acknowledged their union, they couldn’t be seen together at private functions. Finally, after 12 years together, they married in 1802, and she was soon accepted, more or less, in ruling circles. Remained his closest friend and adviser for the remaining few years they had together. After Fox’s death in 1806, many of her former protectors supported her for her remaining three-and-a half decades, as she once again had to deal with outliving her primary partner by many a year, albeit in better circumstances than other go-rounds in this series. Inner: Had a great gift for friendship, and like her spouse, loved to read, proving to be an ideal companion on all levels. More rounded lifetime than usual of being blessed by both love and support all the way through, thanks to a highly pleasing nature, and the ability to generate genuine affection from all the lives she touched.
Anne de Pisseleu d’Heilly (1508-1580) - French duchess and royal mistress. Outer: From a large family. Father was a nobleman, who would benefit greatly from his daughter’s position at court, as would her many siblings. Her mother died when she was quite young, and her sire remarried. Received an excellent education from her stepmother, studying both art and literature, as well as math, science and the social graces, giving her a solid background to serve as a maid of honor to Louise of Savoy, the mother of king Francois I (Bob Geldof), and a patroness of the arts herself. Won the support of the queen mother, and through her, she became the king’s mistress while in her mid-teens, and was able to keep him entranced his entire life. Known for being both witty and cultured, she was married for practical purposes in 1533 to the governor of Brittany, who was made a duke, but had great trouble in maintaining his position at court through his limited finances. Became the Duchess of d’Etampes through her spouse’s elevation, and subsequently always referred to herself by that title. Proved an extremely valuable ally and adviser to the king, during the latter part of his reign. Close to his sister, Margaret d’Angouleme (Eleanor Roosevelt), and a stimulating friend to her as well, with mutual literary interests. Despite her unfaithfulness, and her propensity for involving herself in intrigues, she would remain the king’s closest confidante throughout the rest of his life. Always open to new ideas, she also was tolerant of the new Protestant sects, particularly Lutheranism and Calvinism, and after the king’s death, she became an adherent of them. Helped her own family through her position at court, with her brothers becoming bishops, and two of her sisters abbesses. Following the king’s death in 1547, she was dismissed from the court by his successor Henri II’s (Robert Downey, Jr.) highly competitive mistress, Diane de Poitiers (Mary Pickford), who used her earlier plotting to turn royal opinion against her. Thrown into prison, and had all her jewelry seized, while her supporters were sent scurrying. Her family was stripped of their titles, and even her husband lost his duchy. Ultimately outlived her rival by 14 years, but the damage the former had done proved permanent, and she was forced to live out the rest of her long life in obscurity. Inner: Cultured and witty, with a propensity for intrigue that would ultimately backfire, when she ran into a younger mirror image of herself. Up’n’down lifetime of serving her longtime partner from a subsidiary position, and then suffering her usual long aftermath, of disconnected loneliness.
Isabella (1436-1465) - French duchess. Outer: From a cadet branch of the ruling Capetian line. Father was a French duke, mother was the daughter of the duke of Burgundy. In 1454, she married Charles of Charolais (Bob Geldof), soon to be the duke of Burgundy, who, for once, proved to be a faithful husband to her, while she was cousin to him. One daughter from the union, Mary of Burgundy (Peaches Geldof). Became entwined with the affairs of the throne through the Dauphin, the future Louis XI (Adolph Hitler), serving as godmother to his short-lived son, and then aid and support of his abandoned wife, Charlotte (Eva Braun), for a time, despite the future’s king’s continual manipulations around her duchy. Did an early fadeout, much to her husband’s sorrow, in a reverse of her subsequent need to experience longtime disconnection, in order to either see or totally avoid herself. Inner: Abbreviated lifetime of exiting early in order to allow her longtime partner to feel the pain of her absence, before embarking on a multi-century run of playing with love and heartloss, and dealing with their many decades aftermaths both with and without proper support.
Bruttia Crispina (164-c187) - Roman empress. Outer: From a powerful and wealthy political family. On the paternal side, her ancestors were connected to the imperial court. Father was twice a consul, and fought alongside the emperor Marcus Aurelius (Martin Heidigger). One brother became a consul. Raised in Rome, she married the future emperor Commodus (Bob Geldof) when she was around 14, in an arranged union by the progenitors of each. Although quite beautiful, she was both vain and haughty, and her husband quickly came to dislike her for those traits. Two years after they were wed, Commodus became emperor, and she received the title of Augusta, although her position was largely powerless. Her husband maintained a harem of some 600 concubines, including both women and boys, and she exerted no influence over him. After she became pregnant in 182, she was accused of adultery by her increasingly unstable spouse, in order to get rid of her, and she was summarily exiled and eventually executed, although her year of death is unknown, and may have actually been after her spouse’s assassination in 192. Inner: Highborn lifetime of serving as a pawn to the political maneuverings of others, while cojoining with a longtime mate at his most capricious and unloving.
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PATHWAY OF THE PUBLIC PERSONALITY AS ONGOING FLAMEOUT TO FAME:
Storyline: The high-profile groupie continues to lurch into the spotlight without any overt noticeable skills, other than a preternatural penchant for publicity, to see once again, if her drug’n’drink fueled obsession with fame can carry her past an equal masochistic pull towards punishing self-obliteration.
Pixie Geldof (Little Pixie Geldof) (1990) - English model and party girl. Outer: Mother was journalist and TV personality Paula Yates, father was r’n’r activist Bob Geldof. Youngest of three sisters, including model, DJ and partygoer, Peaches Geldof, who would serve as her protector and template once she stepped into the early limelight. One other half-sister would join the family, after her mother’s accidental drug overdose in 2000, and the former’s father’s suicide. Grew up in a high profile household, and eagerly stepped into the spotlight created by her older sister, to become a style icon, model and British tabloid fodder at the tender age of 17, while still in private school. Tales of wild partying would make her an early infotainment item, as she once again grapples with fame and notoriety, as well as potential flameout, in the early phases of her life. Inner: Publicity-hungry and very much into the spotlight. Repeat lifetime of living fast, while hoping not to die young, in her ongoing dance with the twin devils of fame and misfortune.
Nancy Spungeon (1958-1978) - American groupie. Outer: From a middle-class Jewish family. Born one and a half months prematurely, she was hyper as a child and tantrum-prone, as well as abusive to her brother and sister. The victim of violent nightmares, she once tried to stab her baby-sitter with a pair of scissors. Suffered from depression, and often expressed to her mother the wish to die. Always felt that she would be famous one day, despite no overt talent for anything other than achieving altered states via a cornucopia of pharmacopeia. Her ultimate drug of choice would be heroin, which she would be misusing by the age of 15. Hospitalized and placed in correctional facilities during her growing up, which did little to ameliorate her inexorable draws toward self-destruction. 5’1”, with bleached blonde hair. Left home at 17 and moved to NYC, where she worked as a stripper and occasionally as a prostitute to support her ongoing drug habit. An aggressive fan of the punk scene, she became a groupie, sleeping with a variety of high profile stars, as a means of reflective glory on her part. With a friend she moved to London in her late teens, where she worked briefly as a prostitute, while trying to bag a big name in the punk scene over there. Met bass guitarist Sid Vicious, a remarkably untalented musician with the Sex Pistols, the hot band of the moment, after a violent bar interlude, and the duo immediately became an item, moving in together, while sharing an affinity for public brawls, court appearances, and a constant state of high via heroin. Proved to be an extremely disruptive force in the subsequent one and only U.S. appearance of the Sex Pistols, who broke up during the disastrous tour. Moved with Vicious to NYC’s Chelsea Hotel, as the latter tried to establish himself in the U.S., with herself acting as his manager, although both elicited little interest in his atrocious musicianship. The couple descended into dissolute poverty and drug abuse, until finally she was found in her panties and bra lying next to the toilet on the bathroom floor, dead of a single knife wound to the stomach. Even though it was his knife, Vicious remembered nothing of the circumstance, having blacked out. The real murderer was probably a drug dealer, who took advantage of their mutual narcotized state. After being charged with murder and let out on bail, Vicious died of a heroin overdose four months following her death, in what was probably a deliberate suicidal gesture. The duo would later be immortalized in the movie Sid and Nancy, with Gary Oldman playing the part of her inamorata, and Chloe Webb assaying her. Her mother would also write a biography of her entitled, “And I Don’t Want to Live This Life.” Inner: Extraordinarily angry and self-destructive, giving early indication of her virtually inevitable end. Footnote lifetime of carrying her own personal suicidal sense of self to its logical extreme, resulting in an ignominious ending that may or may not have finally ex”pungeoned” her need for masochistic self-flagellation.
Mary Nolan (Mary Imogene Robertson) (1905-1948) - American actress and dancer. Outer: Mother died when she was 3, and her father was largely a nonexistent figure in her life. Grew up in poverty doing farm labor, before coming to NYC in her mid-teens, where she worked as model. Discovered by impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (Robert Evans), she became a dancer in his yearly “Follies” under the name of Imogene Wilson. 5’5”. A large-eyed blonde beauty, she soon established herself as an effervescent party girl of the first order, with the sobriquet of ‘Bubbles,’ and an equal drive for both fame and infamy. Became involved with comedian Frank Tinney, a Ziegfeld headliner, who was also married at the time. The abusive Tinney beat her unmercifully, causing her to be hospitalized, which ended her Broadway career, since she elicited little sympathy as a homewrecker. Went to Germany for two years afterwards, and enjoyed modest success in the silent film industry there, under the name Imogene Robertson, before heading to Hollywood in 1927, while rechristening herself by her final stage name of Mary Nolan. Over the next several years she appeared in a number of films, with some top name stars, until 1932, when her career abruptly ended. Finding herself broke and unemployable, she sued Tinney for beating her, and also did the same with producer Edward Mannix for the same. In 1937, she was jailed for failing to pay a dress bill. Moved back to the NY and regained her health at the Actor’s Fund Home, before returning to Hollywood, where she lived with her sister in obscurity. During this time, she married and separated from Wallace McCreary, a peripheral Hollywood figure. Her one prized possession was a huge antique piano once owned by Rudolph Valentino (John Travolta), which took up her small bungalow livingroom. Turned to drugs and heroin for solace towards life’s end, while pursuing her masochistic ways once again. Sold the rights to her life story in both screenplay and novel form, and saw an initial installment appear in a magazine. Suffered severe health problems, including a chronic gall bladder ailment, until she finally died of cardiac arrest and liver disease, in her early 40s, while weighing only 90 pounds. Inner: Extremely masochistic, with a penchant, as in all her go-rounds in this series, for both publicity and self-punishment, with the latter, as always, winning out. Motherless lifetime of brief show business success, and then a long spiral downward, with little seemingly learned, since she would repeat many of its elements over again in her subsequent resurrections as a pursuer of abuse as a means of ultimately defining her lack of love for herself.
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PATHWAY OF THE RULER AS VOX OF THE PEOPLE:
Storyline: The popular populist employs an adroit tongue, a love of controversy and a genuine concern for commonality to remake himself into a messianic voice of the earthly voiceless and a continual vocal reminder that the downtrodden count as much as the upscale here.
Bono Vox (Paul Hewson) (1960) - Irish singer, songwriter and social activist. Outer: Father was a Catholic postal worker, mother was a Protestant. Raised as a Protestant. Wild and angry as a youth, he was called an “AntiChrist.” Mother died when he was 15, not close to either parent. 5’7”. Channeled his anger and aggression into the arts, with an initial interest in acting. Got into his first group through personal charisma, rather than talent, via a note on a school bulletin board. Took his name from a hearing aid store, Bono Vox. Formed the group U2, named after a spy plane that was shot down the year he was born. Gave up acting in favor of music, although initially had more energy and commitment than musical ability. The group became well-known by their third album, but. despite their success, he felt they had no real musical base. Started listening to black American southern blues, unconsciously touching back on his earlier existence. Made a B&W documentary of the group’s pilgrimage through the American musical landscape, although critics found their journey condescending. His political posturing was also seen as pompous, thanks to his lectures onstage and off, which were often rambling and inarticulate. Married Alison Stewart in 1982, 4 children from the union. Got more earthy in the late 1980s, with non-political rock’n’roll concerns. Became simplified and less mannered in his later music, with a desire to reach a larger audience, through more conventional marketing and a broader appeal, giving U2 legitimate claim as the world’s greatest rock’n’roll band. Thanks to a desire to save the world, and a gift for straight-talk, he has managed to harness many of the world’s leaders into his orbit, actively and effectively going after high-placed political figures and plutocrats to cancel 3rd world debt. Through his success, he has been able to maintain homes in three countries, the U.S., France and Ireland, but despite that ostentation, his focus has remained on trying to eradicate poverty. Meanwhile, the band has managed to maintain good relations with one another through 2 highly public decades, no mean feat in the egocentric world of r’n’r, as it continues to challenge itself musically. U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, one of the few bands still active to achieve that feat, and the same year he launched an all-organic clothing line called Edun. 2005 also saw him named as one of Time magazine’s co-persons of the year, for his activist work, and in 2006, as added applause, U2 swept the Grammys with 5 awards, while he was awarded an honorary British knighthood, without the ‘Sir’ appended to his name, since he is not a British citizen. Suffered partial paralysis before a tour in 2010, although it was relieved by emergency back surgery. Inner: Radical Christian, naturally rebellious, constantly on the move. Excellent grasp of details, able to comprehend complex economic and social situations, Messianic complex lifetime of trying to integrate his anger, spirituality and music into a viable ouevre, as well as turning himself into a global force for world betterment.
Aneurin Bevan (1897-1960) - Welsh politician and orator. Outer: Mother was the daughter of a colliery blacksmith, and the formidable linchpin of the family. Father was a Welsh coal miner. 6th of 10 children, with two brothers dying in infancy, his oldest sibling lasting only until 8, and a well-loved younger sister passing on in her teens. Known as Nye, he was sturdy and pragmatic, although an intense stammer hindered his schooling. Grew up in the company town of the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company, for which all the male members of his family worked, while receiving a workingman’s education from older locals, who imbued him with Marxist theory and helped eradicate his stammer. Labored in the mines for 9 years, beginning at 14, then had to leave because of an eye disease, and became a union agitator for the South Wales Miners’ Federation. Through the union, he won 2 years at the Marxist-oriented Central Labour College in London, although felt formal education was a waste of time, and couldn’t wait to return home as an activist. Nearly 6’, with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Went through a period of unemployment before becoming a lodge dispute agent in 1926. Had a strong physical presence and a magnetic personality, with a brilliant gift for conversation and a charming manner that made him eminently likable, even to his enemies. A powerful orator, he operated best without any written material. Entered national politics as a left-wing Laborite in 1929, holding his seat until his death, evincing occasional explosions of anger, that indicated an instability and lack of control which would mar his career. Much preferred the company of writers, actors and journalists to politicians, and was not adverse to high living, despite his workingman’s roots. Unafraid to do battle with his like-minded confreres, and was later expelled from his party in 1939 after one such outburst. Married fellow socialist Jennie Lee, a miner’s daughter and member of the Scottish Independent Labor Party in 1934, and spent the decade as an obdurate champion of the working-class, looking to unite all the leftist factions under one socialist banner. His wife was an equally fiery orator, who eventually became a journalist, and, though he wanted offspring, she insisted otherwise, dedicating her life to a public career. Spent WW II as the editor of a Socialist newspaper and in strong opposition to the Conservative government throughout the conflict, and became Minister of Health in the post-War Labor government, in which he developed the National Health Service, despite great opposition. Became Minister of Labor, but resigned his position in 1951 when changes were introduced into his free health service program. In the shadow cabinet of the opposition for the next 2 years, during which time he visited Russia and China. In the 1950s, he harangued the emptiness of Britain’s focus on the material, and failure to realize capitalism’s inherent evils. In 1952, he penned his semi-autobiographical credo, “In Place of Fear.” Failed in a bid for party leadership, then ended his career as shadow foreign secretary. Opposed unilateral nuclear disarmament, and became deputy party leader in 1959, enjoying one final shining hour in a speech he gave at a party conference reaffirming all the old Labor Party aspirations without going into specifics. Died of stomach cancer. His wife later wrote a mutual biography in 1980, “My Life With Nye.” Inner: Charming, practical, extremely self-assured, petulant, egotistical and extremely contentious in one brittle political bundle. Reveled in being controversial and was highly critical of friend and foe alike. Loved to argue, sometimes for the sheer sake of argument, and was a gifted debater. Strong believer in the core tenets of socialism, preaching public ownership and social consciousness. Populist lifetime of literally rising from the underground to become a highly articulate, as well as contentious, voice of the masses.
Charles Parnell (Charles Stewart Parnell) (1846-1891) - Irish nationalist. Outer: Son of an aristocratic Anglo-Irish Protestant landowner. Mother was the daughter of an American naval hero, Charles Stewart, after whom he was named. 7th child. Went to 3 English boarding schools where he was unhappy, while also being sent home for a stretch with typhoid. Following his father’s death in 1859, he inherited the family estate. Wound up his formal education by being suspended from Magdalene College, Cambridge for a minor breach, after evincing a continuous disinterest in English schooling. Became involved in Irish politics, then a hotbed of contentiousness that was perfect for his gifts, and was elected to the British Parliament in 1875, as a member of the Home Rule Party, which had been set up for Irish governmental autonomy. Projected a handsome presence and magnetic personality, and soon showed himself a master of parliamentary procedure. Made a fast name for himself as a well-spoken Irish nationalist, and an equal disparager of the House of Commons. Became president of the Home Rule Confederation of Great Britain in 1877, and Ireland’s most notable politician. After visiting America, he became president of the National Land League, organizing agitation over unjust land laws, which turned increasingly violent. Played power politics with the British system and held unprecedented sway over his followers both inside and outside the House of Commons, while accommodating an amalgam of disparate supporters for a decade with his provocative antics. In 1880, he met Katherine O’Shea (Paula Yates), the separated wife of one of his colleagues, who challenged him to a duel over her, although it was never fought. By 1886 they were living together in her home, two surviving daughters from the union. While their relationship was common political knowledge, it was unknown to the public-at-large. Arrested for his incendiary speeches in 1881, and jailed in Ireland, he became known as the “uncrowned king of Ireland,” as his popularity soared. Released the following year, but then charged with terrorism in loose connection with the brutal Phoenix Park murders of 2 British officials, which he disavowed. Successfully toyed with succeeding governments, bringing down one, while making his agenda of the utmost Parliamentary importance. His health began to fail in the mid-1880s, and he lost some of his effectiveness over his last 5 active years. When his inamorata’s husband publicly divorced his wife in 1890, naming him as a corespondent, it signaled that the conclusion of his public life was nigh. Stood up to various violent charges but his political career was ended after dual denouncements by Roman Catholics and previously supportive English liberals. His health failed in trying to mend the breech in his support, as he became more and more reckless and incendiary. Finally married O’Shea but died five months afterwards in her arms of inflammation of the lungs, nine days after giving a speech in torrential rain. Given a magnificent funeral, and eventually had a street named after him in Dublin. Inner: Haughty and sensitive, he was a mediocre speaker, but a master tactician and strong personality, exploiting the issues of the day to give him virtual royal status among his constituents. Aloof on the surface, but proud and passionate beneath with a great desire for social justice. Wave-making lifetime of shaking up the establishment with his ingrained ability at finding the emotional core of the issues of his time, in yet another go-round of rocking the boat in the name of waking up the populace to their presumed potential.
John Wilkes (1725-1797) - English journalist and politician. Outer: 2nd son of a successful malt distiller, and one of 5 children. Educated at an academy in Hertford, then privately tutored. Extremely ugly, with a strong squint, a cooked jutting jaw, a high forehead, and a flattened nose, but he compensated for his unprepossessing physicality with a deft charm. Said, “it only took a half hour to talk away my face.” In 1747, he married Mary Mead, an heiress 10 years his senior, who his parents had chosen for him, which gave him a comfortable living, although he dissipated it, and the 2 separated after a few years. One daughter from union, Polly, whom he claimed to be the love of his life, and with whom he maintained an extremely close relationship. Also had 2 illegitimate children later on, thanks to early his nonstop pursuit of the pleasures of the flesh, while acting as an enthusiastic member of the “Medmenham Monks,” a profligate group given to debauchery, orgies and Black Masses. Took to politics with the same passion, although he lost his first election to Parliament in 1754 despite bribing a captain to unload a shipment of opposing voters in Norway rather than London. Won a seat in 1757 through further bribery, which put him deeper in debt. Began a political newspaper, the North Briton in 1762, and began indulging in reckless slander, enflaming English hatred for the Scots, while excoriating the king’s ministers. Arrested in 1763 and tossed in the Tower of London, but was released a week later, much to the public’s delight. Countersued and won, and continued to test the limits of free expression. Fought a duel with a fellow House member, then was expelled from that legislative body for publishing an obscene parody he had co-written years earlier, although he went to Paris to visit his daughter and chose not to return. Tried in absentia, expelled from Parliament and pronounced a libelous, obscene outlaw. Spent 4 years in profligate pursuits upon the Continent, mostly in Paris, waiting for a change in ministry. Ever deeper in debt, he returned to England in 1768. Somehow, he was not arrested and instead, was re-elected to Parliament for Middlesex, riding on a strong anti-ministerial sentiment, thanks to the strong support of workers and tradesmen. Gave himself up and his outlawry was reversed on a technicality. Agreed to a fine and a jail term, but such was his popularity, that a committee paid the former, while a steady stream of visitors, including a host of female admirers, made the latter quite pleasant. Continued his inflammatory journalism, and was once more expelled from Parliament in 1769 under cloudy constitutional circumstances. At the same time, he had become a hero of the American colonists, who saw his name synonymous with liberty and opposition to an oppressive government. While still incarcerated, he pursued a political career in London, holding various city posts. Eventually became Lord Mayor in 1774, while serving as a radical champion for liberty and fighting for common rights. Re-elected to Parliament in 1774, but his rabble-rousing began to be viewed as insincere and from 1779 onward, his popularity began to wane. Opposed the government in its struggles with the American colonies and continued to be re-elected on his radical platform from his base in Middlesex, but the issues that once made him a central figure were now peripheral and he eventually retired from Parliament, and faded from public view. Inner: Pleasure-loving, reckless, irresponsible. Witty, charming, well-mannered, malicious, incisive and dilettantish, although a mediocre debater, because he prepared too carefully to be effective. Far stronger with the pen than his own formal voice. Rabble-rousing lifetime of turning his contentious personality and need for a cause to that of liberty for the press, and once again, overspending his contentious coin and overstaying his welcome in the public arena.
John Lilburne (1614?-1667) - British pamphleteer and revolutionary. Outer: From a family of gentry, mother was the daughter of the yeoman of the wardrobe to the queen, and his contentious father had been one of the last to demand trial by battle in a civil suit. Apprenticed to a London cloth merchant for 6 years, while becoming a Puritan, and in opposition to the Anglican High Church policies of the government. Married, with a large family. Arrested for smuggling Puritan pamphlets into the country from the Netherlands. In 1638, he was brought before the Star Chamber for printing an unlicensed book, fined, publicly whipped, pilloried and imprisoned for 2 years. Wrote The Work of the Beast, an account of his barbarous treatment. On his release, he became a political agitator and led public demonstrations against the Anglican bishops. Became a captain in the Parliamentary army during the Civil War, fought with distinction, repeatedly criticized his fellow army officers, was almost tried for treason, and was taken prisoner, and exchanged. Rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel but resigned his commission and became a leader of the Levellers, Puritan believers in universal equality and the abolition of the nobility and the monarchy. Called “Free-born John,” he put his considerable energy into Leveller propaganda and its radical program of placing everyone on the same societal level. Imprisoned for his activities for most of 1645-1647, after which, the army crushed his movement. Remained popular, however, and was acquitted twice of high treason. The second acquittal put him back in prison because of his continued popularity and potential for agitating the masses. Released after he had converted to the Quaker faith in 1655 and no longer posed a public threat. Died 2 years later. Inner: Contentious and provocative, with his ongoing gift for rousing public sentiment in his favor, no matter the cause. Leveller lifetime of entering the common realm by birth, after many ennobled go-rounds, and reinventing himself as an effective voice of the voiceless, only to ultimately spend his power, as he has done in all the lives in this series.
Owen Glendower (Owain Glyndwr) - (c1354-c1316) - Welsh rebel. Outer: Descended from the princes of Powys, father was a manor holder. The story was told that the horses in his father’s stable were all standing in blood when he was born, although it was probably apocryphal. On his sire’s death, he inherited several manors in northern Wales. Studied law at Westminster College in London, probably called to the bar, and married a daughter of a justice, 6 children from union. Fought with the forces of Richard II (Richard Nixon) against the Scots, before serving his political enemy and ultimate usurper, Henry Bolingbroke (David Cameron), continuing in the latter’s service until he became Henry IV. Returned to Wales to find his country in economic shambles because of English policy, and began agitating. In 1400, a violent feud with a noble neighbor inspired an uprising in northern Wales, and it quickly became a struggle for Welsh independence. Formed an alliance with Henry’s most powerful opponents, and by 1404, had control of most of Wales. Proclaimed himself ‘Prince of Wales,’ and established an independent Welsh Parliament, while formulating his own foreign and ecclesiastical policies. By the following year, however, his supremacy had successfully been challenged by Henry’s son, the future Henry V (Winston Churchill), who captured his own sons. Although France sent allies, he had lost his main strongholds by 1409, and by 1413 his wife and relations were captured. Forced to admit to the king’s grace and obedience in 1415, he disappeared from the records the following year. Inner: Contentious, rebellious and charismatic, although he took on an aggressive enemy far too powerful for him. Bellicose lifetime of taking it to the streets one final time before switching over to his pernicious pen and sharp mind as weaponry for avenging the oppressed and leveling the playing-field against the privileged dispossessors of common folk.
Brian Boru (941-1014) - Irish king. Outer: Son of an Irish tribal chief, who was a splendid fighter. One of 2 brothers who continued their father’s battles against the Danes, waging guerrilla warfare, while suffering impossible hardships. While his brother, Mahon, eventually made peace with the Danes, he refused to do so, even when reduced to 15 men. Made Mahon reconsider, and the 2 laid successful seige to Munster, and were able to hold it. Mahon became king of Munster for 9 years before being butchered by a band of conspirators, and the Danes began returning. Reluctantly became king, avenged his brother, and reclaimed, consolidated and unified Munster. Then began invading neighbor states to add to his territories, winning control of the southern half of Ireland, and adding Boru or ‘tribute’ to his name. Proved himself a good and wise ruler, sending abroad for books, establishing professorships all over the kingdom, building churches, and punishing the lawless unmercifully with hacked off limbs and organs. Brought law, order and learning to his domain, but plots, insurrections and murders continued, with the Danish presence still a periodic threat. Became high king in 1002, eventually winning the submission of every lesser chief. The various factions of the north, including the King of Leinster, with Danish backing, united against him in 1013, and though he was too old to fight, his son won a decisive victory, before he was hacked to death by his enemies, while kneeling to pray in a tent on the battlefield, after they had slaughtered his surrounding guard. Inner: Living legend. Lively, stout, able, fierce and friendly. Magnificent and munificent, a devout Christian, and a good and brave ruler. Larger-than-life lifetime of combining his warrior sensibilities with his sharp mind to etch out a memorable and unique existence that uninhibitedly celebrated his aggressive, but charming, contentiousness.
Lucius Verus (Lucius Ceionius Commodus) (130-169) - Roman emperor. Outer: Son of a senator whom the Emperor Hadrian (Charles de Gaulle) adopted as his successor. Tall, handsome, with a genial face and blonde hair. After his father’s death in 138, he was re-adopted by Antonius Pius (Bernard Kouchner) along with Marcus Aurelius (Martin Heidigger), after Hadrian had directed him to do so. Held various posts until becoming joint emperor with Marcus Aurelius in 161, who adopted him, setting the precedent for the later dualistic rule of empire. Viewed as a lightweight in comparison to Aurelius, but was an accomplished orator, despite a halting style of speech. Also had a gift for poetry, and enjoyed both intelligent and athletic companionship. Entrusted with the supreme command in a war against the Parthians, which took up most of his reign. Able to inspire his subordinates, although his pleasure-loving ways made his progress into enemy territory slow. Once there, however, he proved victorious in a succession of battles, while his co-emperor allowed him his glories and purposefully did not compete with him. Married Lucilla, the daughter of his colleague in 164, 3 children from the union. After concluding his campaign, he returned to Rome in 166, but his troops decimated the empire with a plague that they had carried from the east, which they spread all the way to Greece and Asia Minor. A barbarian horde also added another form of infestation, and in 167, he went on campaign again with his co-emperor. After a successful show of force, his soldiers were once more plagued by plague, and they set out for Rome, but he died of an apoplectic fit on the return journey. Inner: Intelligent and athletic, enjoyed the pleasures of both the mind and the body, and knew how to successfully delegate duties. Had the gift of exposition and expression as well, although was completely overshadowed by his far more powerful and talented colleague. Foundation lifetime of manifesting his sense of unsettled interior on an entire population, with similar destructive results, as harbinger of his ongoing role as plaguer of complacency.
Lucius Saturninus (Lucius Appuleius Saturninus) (?-100BZ) - Roman politician. Outer: Grandson of a praetor. Made quaestor, or magistrate, and placed in charge of grain supply in 104BZ during a time of rising prices. Lowered the cost of the monthly grain ration to win the support of the proletariat, while more conservative elements, including Quintus Metellus (Boris Johnson) tried to expel him and his cohort, Gaius Glaucia (Bob Geldof) from the senate, although he won acquittal on their capital charge. Replaced in a humiliating move, he became an adversary of the senate establishment, taking up the cudgels of the earlier reformer, Gaius Gracchus (Al Sharpton). Linked himself to the highly influential Marius (Adolf Hitler), and served as tribune twice, carrying agrarian laws that provided land for his veterans of the African and Germanic wars. In return, he employed the assistance of the veterans in passing controversial legislation through organized violence by their ranks. Stirred up popular patriotic sentiment by insulting the ambassadors of the king of Pontus. His violent, crowd-pleasing actions enhanced his popularity, as he grew more independent of Marius, while extending his colonization program. Recognized as an extremist threat by Marius, he broke with him, as the consular elections in the year 100BZ descended into disorder, with one of the candidates murdered. Seized, along with Glaucia and their followers on Capitoline Hill, and locked in the Senate house. Their enemies then tore off the roof, and stoned them to death from above. Most of his radical legislation was then rescinded afterwards. Inner: Strong-willed, violent and populist, a tyrant at heart. Little sense of statesmanship or willingness to abide by republican order. Mayhem-inspiring lifetime of employing his considerable violent will to republican institutions, only to meet a hyper-violent end, in keeping with his rabble-rousing ways.
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PATHWAY OF THE POLITICIAN/POET AS SCIENTIFIC HUMANIST:
Storyline: The acidulously acid-witted acid-head shows an ongoing fascination with power, scientific prowess and the logic and illogic of both in his ongoing alternate roles down through western annals as charismatic scientist, sardonic novelist and researcher extraordinaire.
Aldous Huxley (1893-1963) - English writer. Outer: From an illustrious literary and scientific family. Grandson of biologist Thomas H. Huxley (Konrad Lorenz), who was known as “Darwin’s Bulldog,” for his fierce support of the theory of evolution. Father was a biographer and man of letters, and his mother was an educator, while his brother Julian would go on to a distinguished biological career. 3rd child. Used his sire’s botanical laboratory as an early educational tool, then went to a school, Hillside, which his mother supervised until she became terminally ill. Lost both his mother and sister the same month in 1908. Educated at Eton College, where he developed an eye disease at the age of 17, that made the pursuit of a scientific career impossible, and also later exempted him from military duty in WW I. Nearly blind for several years, he had just enough eyesight to read with some difficulty, and after it sufficiently returned, he attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied English literature, and decided to pursue a literary career. 6’4 1/2”, lean. Worked briefly for the Air Ministry, and during the war, spent much time at the estate, Garsington, of Lady Ottoline Morrell (Maureen Dowd), where he met his future wife, Maria Nys. The duo were married in 1919, and had one child, Matthew, an epidemiologist. Published several volumes of poetry beginning in his early 20s, and also worked on the periodical Athenaeum, before turning to the novel, as his primary means of expression. His first two works, Crome Yellow and Antic Hay, were witty and often malicious satires on English highbrow society, garnered from his time at Garsington. From 1923, he traveled, living in Italy, and initially penned several satiric thrusts, where he concentrated far more on form than substance. Wrote his best remembered work, Brave New World in 1932, limning a dystopian view of the dehumanized future to come. Moved to southern France, where he befriended writer D.H. Lawrence and edited his letters. In 1938, he emigrated to Southern California and became part of the English literary expatriate scene there, exploring Hindu mysticism, via Vedantism, and writing about it, while penning several film scripts, including Pride and Prejudice, despite an aversion to the movies. In the late 1930s, he began using the Bates method, an exercise program, to improve his eyesight, which helped him enormously, and as always, penned a book on it, “The Art of Seeing.” Applied for U.S. citizenship after WW II, but was denied it, because of his pacifism, and refusal to bear arms for his adopted country. Nevertheless, he remained in America as a permanent expatriate. A fascination with psychical research led to his experimentation with the mind-altering drugs mescaline and LSD, and he wrote about his experiences in The Doors of Perception, in 1954, while taking the tack of a scientist in his ongoing fascination with the possibilities of the human mind. Continued his explorations and writings for the remainder of his life. His wife died of breast cancer in 1955, and the following year he married writer Laura Archera, who ultimately did a biography of him, while outliving him by over four decades, during which time she devoted herself to promoting his works. Discovered he had cancer in 1960, although he remained active, both writing and speaking at several prestigious schools, while forewarning of the possibility of a drugged society made to happily embrace its servitude, a theme he had explored in Brave New World. On his deathbed, he asked his wife via a written note, since he could no longer speak, for 100 mm. of LSD, and sailed off in a state of heightened awareness. Died the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Inner: Witty, charming and erudite with a pessimistic view of his fellow biological bipeds. Great curiosity, and a scientist at heart, eagerly exploring the doors of perception with the same fascination he has brought to all his other investigations in the realm of human knowledge. Lysergic-tinged lifetime of being thwarted in his original aim to be a scientist, only to bring that discipline to bear later on in self-exploration, in his ongoing desire to continue to add to the wealth of human knowledge, from a highly rational political, scientific and novelistic viewpoint.
Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield (1804-1881) - English prime minister and writer. Known as “Dizzy.” Outer: His family had been driven from Spain during the Inquisition centuries before, on his father’s side, while he was of Italian descent on his mother’s. Eldest son and 2nd of 5 children. Always had a fascination with older women, through the feeling his own mother didn’t appreciate him as much as he felt she should have. His sire, Isaac D’Israeli, was a Sephardic Jew who was a distinguished author, although skeptical about matters religious, and after quarreling with his local synagogue, he had his children baptised into the Church of England when his son was 12 years, unconsciously allowing him a political career, since Jews were excluded from Parliament until 1858. Educated in private schools, then at 17, he was articled to a firm of solicitors for 3 years, although had no aspiration to be a lawyer, seeing it as a compromise on his wish to be “a great man.” Also harbored romantic fantasies of being another Lord Byron (Bernardo Bertolucci), in the literary realm. A desire for both wealth and fame led to a disastrous speculation in mining shares, which put him so in debt, it took until late middle age to get out of it. Started a newspaper which failed, then was widely criticised for lampooning his benefactor in an anonymous novel, after its true authorship was revealed. Suffered a nervous breakdown, and was indolent for 4 years. In 1830, he traveled in the Mediterranean countries and the Middle East for almost a year and a half, which gave him his larger view of the world, as well as supplied him with further novelistic fodder. Used his charm and foppish affectations to ingratiate himself in London society afterwards. Lost his first three electoral bids as a radical Romantic individualist, then pronounced himself a Conservative, although his dandyism, debts and open liaison with a married woman did not help his Tory image. Nevertheless, he was finally rewarded with a seat in Parliament in 1837. Made his maiden speech the same year on MPs’ privileges. Initially far too overwrought and literary as a speaker, he eventually found an effective voice, both ironical and witty, for himself. Married Mary Anne Lewis, a talkative rich widow 12 years his senior in 1839, in a union that would be affectionate on both sides, as well as highly satisfactory in their mutual admiration society for him, although he remained a lady’s man his entire life, with a seductive charm that always made everyone in his presence feel as if they were extremely important. His wife also paid his considerable debts, although he continued to build them up again, thanks to a proclivity for accepting ruinous interest rates. Denied a cabinet post in PM Robert Peel’s (Tony Blair) government, he joined “Young England,” a group of conservatives, who had a romantic, aristocratic and nostalgic view of political power, in contrast with Peel’s dull pragmatics. Cemented his reputation with the novel Coningsby, which gave his group cachet, and brought him fame, despite being a largely political tract, which nevertheless, brought his ideas to the public. Used his flair for irony and invective to ultimately unpeel Peel from power, and when the latter resigned in 1846, he became the leader of the opposition. Won re-election and purchased a manor, and became Chancellor of the Exchequer, despite having little expertise in finances, and still being quite in debt. Held the post each time the Tories came to power, and in 1868, he finally realized his life’s dream and became Prime Minister. Forced to resign soon after, however, when the Liberals came back in office, under the auspices of William Gladstone (J. William Fulbright). Worked both politically and novelistically to redefine Toryism to make it more palatable to the public, while suffering more than his share of anti-Semitic slings and arrows in the press, including grotesque caricatures. His wife died of cancer in 1872, causing him to put his complete focus on politics, and within 2 years, thanks to his reorganizational efforts, he had his second ministry. Formed a strong cabinet, and was a great favorite of Queen Victoria (Mary Renault), who relished his charming attentions. Effected reforms that helped the country’s workers, and purchased the Suez Canal, which enhancing Britain’s imperialist standing. Suffered from gout and bronchitis, and his health made his leadership role in the House of Commons difficult. Accepted a peerage, as Earl of Beaconsfield, and switched to the House of Lords, finishing off his career focusing on foreign affairs. Declined a dukedom from the queen, but accepted the Order of the Garter, then saw his final hurrah awash in foreign policy failure, as the Conservatives were voted out of office in 1880. Caught a chill the following year, and died with his hair still dark at the end. Inner: Charming, witty, and highly socialized, although also moody, sensitive and solitary by nature. An extremely effective communicator, equally adept at oral argument, as he was on the printed page. Saw both Judaism and England as complimentary hallmarks of civilization, while always identifying with power over powerlessness. Once remarked to a young Jewish friend, “You and I belong to a race that can do everything but fail.” Proud of his ancestry, and never failed to let people know about it, while viewing it as racial, rather than religious. Dizzying lifetime of desiring to make a great mark on his world, with charm, wit and dedication, despite numerous failures in the process, but the ability to be loved by all but his enemies while doing so.
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (1628-1667) - English politician and scientist. Outer: Father was the decadent 1st duke, (Warren Beatty), who was a close adviser of Charles I (George VI) and wound up assassinated some four months before his son was born. Mother was Katherine Manners (Annette Bening), daughter of the duke of Rutland, and an extremely wealthy heiress. Oldest surviving of three sons, and younger brother of Mary Villiers (Julie Christie). After his father’s death, and his mother’s announcing she was a Catholic, he was brought up in the king’s household, and became a close friend of his eldest son and heir, the future Charles II (Peter O’Toole). Received his MA from Trinity College, Oxford in 1642, and much later served as chancellor of the University. Did military service, and traveled in Italy, while gaining a similar reputation as his royal companion as a debauchee. When the king was beheaded in 1649, he took up arms with Charles, and fought beside him, before going into exile separately from him. Returned illegally to England in 1657, and married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Fairfax (Omar Bradley), despite her being promised to another, causing much consternation, before being imprisoned by the Commonwealth government until 1659. On the Restoration the following year, he recovered his estates, and held numerous posts, including privy councillor from 1662 to 1667. Dabbled in chemistry, and also spent much time building and laying out his gardens. Showed an impetuous, capricious, brawling nature, and was briefly imprisoned in 1667. The following year he seduced a countess, then mortally wounded her husband in a duel, but was pardoned by the sympathetic king. Wrote verses and satires, and a burlesque on contemporary dramatists, “The Rehearsal,” which was performed quite often in the 18th century, and continually updated because of its topical allusions. Helped bring about the downfall of the king’s chancellor, and initially had great influence on the monarch, as a member of the Cabal, a group of 5 ministers whose initials spelled out the word, and who made a treatied alliance with France against Holland. His unpredictable nature, however, soon took him out of the loop, and in 1674, he was dismissed from his various posts for alleged Catholic sympathies. Sided with the opposition leader, and then in 1681, he withdrew to his estates, spending the rest of his life there, in a state of deep depression. In declining health his last decade he caught a chill caught hunting, and was taken to an inn, there to die amidst squalor and neglect, as a curious final testament to his life. Since he left no issue, his title went extinct with him. Inner: Impetuous, capricious, brilliant and witty. Amateur scientist, and fulltime lothario. Like father, like son lifetime of adding the pleasure-seeking sensualist to his impressive resume, while opening himself up to both his emotions and physicality, having satisfied the scientist within in his previous go-rounds, and was now far more interested in his larger, and far more flawed humanity.
Francis Bacon, viscount St. Albans (1561-1626) - English philosopher and politician. Outer: Younger of 2 sons of Nicholas Bacon, an important self-made government official, who had initially been a sheep-reeve’s son. His wife, Anne Cooke, was his second, and the daughter of the tutor to Edward VI (Cecil Beaton). Educated at home, with his pious mother playing an important role, through her mastery of a host of languages. Along with his brother he attended Trinity College, Cambridge, although ill health hampered his studies, because of a weak constitution which plagued him his entire life. Developed a distaste while there for the scientific method of the time, finding it too guess-worthy. Moved to Paris for 3 years as a member of the English ambassador’s entourage. After his father’s death in 1579, he returned to an extremely disappointing inheritance, thanks to his being the youngest son of his father’s two families, which also consisted of a number of half-brothers, putting him in financial straits for most of the rest of his life. Studied law at Gray’s Inn, becoming a barrister in 1582. Held various posts, and began limning his philosophical ideas in tracts, while dreaming of political power. Became an MP two years later, but his greater desires largely eluded him, until he put quill to paper, and showed a lucid political intelligence, inspiring Robert Devereaux (Ethan Hawke), a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I (Mae West) to become his patron in 1591, although at century’s turn he was Queen’s counsel in the former’s trial, drawing up his denouncement as a traitor. In 1593, he fell into disgrace for offending the queen via one of his stances, and was once again given much time to think and write, and work on his gardens. Had to hustle anew at the accession of James I (Kenneth Tynan) for influence, but was immediately knighted, and was active as a letter-writer, and opinion-maker. In 1606, he married Alice Barnham, who was barely 14 at the time, and the daughter of a wealthy London alderman. From 1608 to 1620, he worked on his magnum opus, Novum Organum, which rewrote scientific method, in a trinity of steps - description, classification and rejection - so that truths could be directly observed, categorized and then pared down to their essence, a methodology which would have enormous influence. Held numerous legal posts, and was made attorney general in 1613, following his well-received and well-wrought written advice to the king. Also penned The New Atlantis, a brave new world utopian look at the future. Served both Parliament and the court, as well as himself, with his letters, and was also aided by George Villiers, the future 1st Duke of Buckingham (Warren Beatty), and a favorite of the king, as well as his succeeding life’s disappeared father. The two, however, would have a falling out over the duke’s daughter’s impending marriage to a former enemy of his, Edward Coke, although they eventually would patch things up. Disliked innovation, and thought instead in terms of royal prerogative, proving himself extremely useful to his sovereign, so that in 1618, he realized his earlier wishes, by being made lord chancellor, as well as a viscount. In 1621, he fell from power, after being doubly charged with bribery. Both ill and unable to defend himself, he resigned, incurred a large fine, spent a short time in the Tower of London, and then the rest of his life in writing, having the full time at the end to concentrate on what would be his life’s true contribution to the ongoing knowledge of humanity, a continual theme of his. Wrote a digest of laws, a his/story of Great Britain and biographies of the Tudor monarchs to augment the libraries of England. Never received a full pardon, which galled him. One night, wondering if snow stopped the putrefaction process, he bought a hen, stuffed it with snow, and then caught a chill, which developed into bronchitis, and shortly afterwards, he became a putrified process himself. Inner: Cold and obsequious to those more powerful than he. Also seen as arrogant and pompous by those who disliked him. Probably bisexual, with rumors of pederasty clouding his contemporary reputation. Practical, pragmatic and empirical, greatly aiding scientific and philosophical thought for centuries to come. Felt all knowledge was his province. Eloquent writer and speaker, with a sizzling mind. Witty, although not charming, thanks to a seriousness of intent and a dry sense of humor. Bring-home-the-bacon lifetime of being given the space to explore his usual political draws, without them overwhelming him, giving him the space to limn his considerable thoughts and ideas on paper, which would make him a figure of the centuries, rather than a mere creature of his own time.
Robert Grosseteste (1175-1253) - English bishop and scholar. Outer: Of humble birth, he entered the Franciscan order, and was educated at Oxford, and probably in Paris. Held several archdeacon posts, and was made prebendary of Lincoln in 1221. Became the chancellor of Oxford in his 40s, and the first rector of Franciscans in 1224, eventually resigning his various posts in 1232. Translated both Arabic and Greek philosophical and scientific works, wrote his own theses on theology, philosophy and husbandry, and commentaries on Aristotle (J. Robert Oppenheimer) and Boethius (Thomas Jefferson), while also penning poems in French. Had an enormous effect on Franciscan thought as a theological lecturer, while also writing scriptural commentaries. Became bishop of Lincoln in 1235, and proved himself disputatious with the clergy, the papacy and the king, in his unbending refusal to allow political benefices override spiritual concerns. Preached in Lyons against papal abuses, argued in front of a papal curia, and was suspended by the pope for refusing to appoint an Italian to a benefice. As a final act of disobedience he refused to induct the pope’s nephew into a Lincoln canonry, and died soon after. Inner: Continually looking for rational order, in what would prove to be a very emotional political climate. Felt the Church superseded the state, and was a firm believer in a centralized and hierarchical Church, in keeping with his desire for rational order. Great love of learning, and an important re-introducer of Grecian and Arabic thought and scientific knowledge to western Europe. Professorial lifetime of being an unbending champion of the logic of the supremacy of the Church, in accord with his belief that it best reflected the consummate mind and spirit of humanity. Roger of Salisbury (1070-1139) - English prelate and politician. Known as “Roger the Great”. Outer: Of humble origins. Became a priest, and while serving in a little chapel near Caen, gave a service that was so quick, it impressed the English king, Henry I (Joseph Kennedy, Jr.), who was in attendance, and saw him as a perfect soldier’s chaplain. Henry went on to serially make him chancellor in 1101, and the following year bishop of Salisbury, although he wasn’t consecrated for another 6 years. Renewed and adorned the cathedral, and built several castles. In the contest for the throne following Henry’s death in 1135, he took the side of Stephen (George VI), and was a key factor in his early success in securing the crown and keeping it. Remodeled the administrative system, and continued as a judiciar under him while exerting great influence over the government, which aroused the jealousy and the enmity of the barons of his party. Summoned by Stephen and arrested in 1139, he was forced to surrender his castles and have his power greatly curtailed. Died shortly afterwards of vexation at his ill-usage. Inner: Highly competent, and equally ambitious. Steppingstone lifetime of switching over to the largely secular side in his continued desire to experience power, from a prelate/politican’s viewpoint, while eschewing his usual scientific curiosity in trying to make order out of the secular world from a purely administrative standpoint, only to be ultimately frustrated in his aims.
Sylvester II (Gerbert of Aurilliac) (c945-1003) - French Pope. Outer: From a humble background. Received a solid education in his native France, while showing an exceptional proficiency in mathematics, astronomy and the elements of music, and would go on to contribute greatly to the mass knowledge of the west in those and other spheres. Became a monk, and was taken to Spain in 967, where he availed himself of an excellent library and continued his education through it in Vichy. In 970, he was taken to Rome, where he impressed the pope with his erudition and brilliance, and was introduced to the HRE Otto I (Mohandas Gandhi). Studied dialectic at Reims, and was soon appointed head of the cathedral school by the archbishop, where he gained great renown as a highly original teacher, and reorganized their studies in logic and dialectics. Invited to the court of Otto II (Shah Massoud) in 980, he further added to his reputation in debate with a jealous rival, and the delighted emperor made him bishop of Bobbio, in Italy. Despite the great library there, he was made to feel his foreignness, and lack of administration skills, and, after a rebellion on the emperor’s death, he hastened back to Reims in 984. Added politics to his curriculum vitae, afterwards, helping to elect the first of the Capetian line to the throne, Hugh Capet (Steven Spielberg), becoming his secretary and adviser, before having to deal with mischief from a rival and fleeing. Returned in 991 as archbishop, then had to go to Rome to defend the legitimacy of his election, but the new pope rejected his plea. Met up with the newly crowned Otto III (Ayman al-Zawahiri), and in 997, after further difficulty with his clergy, left Reims for Otto’s court in Aachen, and never returned to France again. Became a teacher and musician in the emperor’s chapel, and in 998, he was made archbishop of Ravenna in Italy. A year later, he became the first Frenchman elevated to the papacy, taking on the name Sylvester II. Showed himself to be an upholder of the traditional rights of the papacy, when earlier he had assailed them. An active reformer, he denounced abuses, demanded celibacy, and acted in a high-handed manner, taking on the view that his elevated position was now unassailable. Worked in close concert with the emperor in helping him effect his wishes around various thrones in Central Europe in order to make the continent a truly Christian empire, and also extended the reach of the papacy to Europe’s north, creating Poland’s first archbishop. The Romans, however, revolted over his imperious ways, and he and the emperor were forced to flee the city in 1001, with the emperor dying the following year. Allowed to return in 1002 as a spiritual, rather than a political leader, by the patrician in charge of the Eternal City, he died the following year. Became a legendary figure after his death, gaining a magical, and in some circles, demonic, reputation for his extraordinary mind. Inner: Excellent teacher and scholar, adding immeasurably to western science, with his introduction of Hindu-Arabic numerals, including the 0, heretofore missing from western mathematics, as well as the abacus. Witty, charming and extremely learned. An enthusiastic librarian, he avidly collected manuscripts, and wound up a seminal figure of his century, for his intellectual achievements. Eggheaded lifetime of exploring power, knowledge and scientific research, his own holy trinity of interests, which he would continue to pursue in various guises down through the next millennium.
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PATHWAY OF THE SCRIBE/POLITICIAN AS ARDENT CONTROVERSIALIST:
Storyline: The philosophic polymath returns to the realm he’s most comfortable with, cerebrally wrestling with the moral issues of his times, after a brief stab at stage center of the far less lofty sphere of practical politics.
Christopher Hitchens (1949) - English/American writer. Outer: Father was a reserved and distant British naval officer, while his mother ultimately committed suicide in an Athens hotel room with her lover. One younger brother, Peter, who became a conservative journalist, creating a contentious lifelong relationship twixt the two. Discovered he was part-Jewish on his matrilineal side from his grandmother, when he was an adult, and parlayed that piece of information into an anti-Israeli obsession with a similar distaste for all things Judaic. His brother, however, revealed that the family barely had any Hebraic blood. Grew up in a conservative household dominated by military tradition. Became the first member of his family to attend private school as well as to go on to university. Matriculated at Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics and economics, and received a third-class degree. Joined the Labour Party in 1965, only to be expelled for his anti-Vietnam War sentiments, which drove him towards socialism, as a post-Trotskyite, and confirmed leftist. Worked as a foreign correspondent in Cyprus, and has subsequently made the globe part of his extended habitat, while paying particular writerly attention to many of its political black holes, getting a first hand view of sore oppressed cultures, so as to understand them from direct experience. Began writing for The New Statesman in the 1970s, and established himself as a trenchant social critic, with organized religion as his particular bete noir. In 1981, he married Eleni Meleagrou, a Greek Cypriot, son and daughter from the union. Subsequently emigrated to the U.S., where he became a contributor to The Nation, finding easy targets with the Reagan administration and its various policies, both domestic and foreign, as well his successor’s, George H. W. Bush, bitterly condemning his Persian Gulf military foray, before later having a change of heart. An intellectual gadfly, his pen-for-hire would include Vanity Fair, the Atlantic Monthly, and the NY TImes Book Review, in his constant courting of controversy with his various contumelies, as well as his abrupt changes of heart. In the wake of his sometimes poisonous pen, would lie a litter of former allies, outraged by his various betrayals from their perspective. Following the fatwa placed on his friend Salman Rushdie in 1989, he coined the term Islamofascism, and has been a highly vocal critic of all manifestations of religious extremism ever since. Divorced in 1989, he married a second time in 1991 to Carol Blue, one daughter from the union. Continued his presidential jeremiads with the ascendancy of Bill Clinton, labeling him a rapist and liar, while drifting away from his leftist views to the point where he was a supporter of George W. Bush’s martial adventures in Iraq, seeing its dictator Saddam Hussein as someone who had to be crushed. Enthusiastically battered the saintly image of Mother Theresa in one book, while vigorously attacking the three pillars of monotheism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam in a variety of works, including "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything." A ubiquitous presence on American TV talk shows as a self-appointed voice of rational atheism, he has flirted with neoconservatism, while considering his various changing viewpoints consistent with the changing world. A liberal imbiber of alcohol, he eventually gave up cigarettes in a nod to his ongoing health, while remaining a heated polemicist with the facility for eliciting irate invective from all sides of the political spectrum. In a 2010 memoir, “Hitch-22”, he admitted to relations with boys and men during his schooldays and at college, while hinting at his physical, but never his cerebral, impotence. Afterwards, he announced he had esophagal cancer. Inner: Highly opinionated, and a deliberate courter of controversy, while at the same time extremely social, and easily bored. A longtime highly functioning alcoholic, who is no fan of womanhood, or religiosity, with a remarkably closed mind on both subjects. Quite familiar with scriptures, seeing them as a pathway to enjoying classical secular writing. In God we distrust lifetime of hoisting his highbrow dukes as well as many a glassful of spirits and taking on all comers for the sheer spirited thrill of cerebral engagement, while curiously obviating many of the stances of his previous go-round in this series, as if his earlier life as Balfour was one more of his long list of antagonists.
Arthur J. Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour (Arthur James Balfour) (1848-1930) - British prime minister. Outer: Eldest son and 3rd of 8 children of an MP, while his mother was from the distinguished Cecil family, dating back to Elizabethan times. Came into a life of social and intellectual privilege. Nephew of Robert Gascoygne-Cecil, Marquess of Salisbury (Margaret Thatcher), who served as his mentor, after his father died when he was 7. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. His brother Francis became a renowned embryologist before dying in a mountaineering accident, while another sibling, Eustace was a talented architect who drank himself to death. Had a languid, droopy appearance, and was seen initially as decadent and effeminate. Never married after his affianced, his cousin May Lyttleton, died of typhus in 1875. Afterwards, he celebrated her death each year. His subsequent household would be run by his unmarried sister Alice. Probably largely asexual, although he did have friendships with women. Initially far more interested in music and poetry than politics, but he entered Parliament in 1874 as a Conservative on leaving college, and made his maiden speech 2 years later on Indian silver currency. In 1878, he became private secretary to his uncle, who was then Foreign Secretary, and accompanied him to the Congress of Berlin, which gave him a taste of international politics. Gained his initial recognition via several philosophic tomes, beginning with A Defense of Philosophic Doubt in 1879, and followed by The Foundations of Belief, and Theism and Humanism, while also publishing a paper that suggested faith was equally important to science as it was to religion. Interested in both subjects throughout his life. In 1885, he joined Randolph Churchill’s (Leslie Hore-Belisha) 4th party, which was instrumental in bringing down the liberal ministry of William Gladstone (J. William Fulbright). Initially not taken seriously as a politician, largely because of his upper crust background, and his decided interests in other subjects. Despite being an excellent debater, with a clear, logical delivery, his Conservative aristocratic outlook severely limited his social vision. Nevertheless, he would wind up spending half a century in government, serving in two of his uncle’s ministries, as Secretary for Scotland, and then Ireland, where he proved himself via restoring the rule of law, earning the sobriquet of “Bloody Balfour,” in the process. Thanks to his land development legislation, he managed to contain Irish conflict for a generation. Held several university rectorships and chancellordoms, and was a member of the Royal Society, beginning in 1888. In 1891, he became First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons. Harbored an interest in the paranormal, and was president of the Society for Psychical Research in the early 1890s. Also was an enthusiastic golfer, finding it a perfect antidote for his constant cerebrations. Towards the end of the decade, he was put in charge of the Foreign Office, where his record was mixed, thanks to drain of the Boer War. When his uncle retired due to ill health, he succeeded him as Prime Minister in 1902, holding the office for 3 years, and in the process, became the first of his office to own an automobile. Focused on domestic, rather than foreign policy, but had difficulties with his economic programs and the budget. Also had poor relations with the newly crowned Edward VII (Prince William), as well as a divided cabinet on the issue of free trade, and was finally forced to resign in 1905. Subsequently lost his seat in the Labor landslide that followed, but regained it in a by-election soon after. Continued to lead his party until 1911. During WW I, he became First Lord of the Admiralty and then Foreign Secretary, issuing the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which pledged British support for the Zionist movement, and Palestine as a homeland for the Jewish peoples, despite an ambivalent attitude towards them. Resigned as Foreign Secretary after the war, but continued in government off and on as Lord President of the Council, until a year before his death. Eventually became immobilized by phlebitis, despite enjoying good health up until the nearend. Died of circulatory failure, and his title was passed to one of his brothers. Inner: Highly cerebral and articulate, with a strength of character that was not originally seen when he was younger. Active and enthusiastic athlete. A creature of his own station, with his intellect and larger vision blinkered by his privileged upbringing. A joiner of many clubs and societies, as well as an officer of them, thanks to his wide range of interests. Hand’s-on lifetime of being thrust into the center of government, after earlier being a theorist of saidsame, proving to be far more conservative and traditional than his previous purviews, which had been forged by his stance as an outsider.
James Mill (1773-1836) - Scottish his/storian, economist and philosopher. Outer: Mother was from a good family, which had been tainted by its Jacobite support, and insisted on an excellent education for her oldest son. She also made him change his name from the Scottish Milne to Mill, in order to make their family more English-sounding. Kept her son away from other children, so that he could devote all of his time to study. Father was a mild-mannered and devout shoemaker and small farmer. Eldest of 3, with the other two resenting the attention and money lavished on him. Showed himself to be bright and precocious, and impressed all his teachers, from the local parish school on up. After an extended stay at Montrose Academy, he accompanied the daughter of a local wealthy family to Edinburgh as a tutor, and entered the university there, where he proved himself a distinguished Greek scholar, while also studying moral philosophy, his/story, political economy and the classics. Fell in love with his tutorial charge, although was in no position to marry her, and she wed someone of her own class, only to die soon after in childbirth, to his everlasting grief, as well as his hatred of the inbred aristocracy. In his mid-20s, he was licensed as a Presbyterian preacher, per his mother’s wishes, although he met with little initial success at his calling. Worked as a tutor, while continuing his self-education in a whole variety of subjects. Finally left Scotland in 1802, at which point his mother died, and went to London with his earlier benefactor, Sir John Stuart. Proved himself a veritable fount of information, producing hundreds of articles and over 1000 editorials, in his frugal need to support his subsequent growing family, although much of his writing would prove both dry and didactic. In 1805, he married Harriet Burrow, whose widowed mother maintained a lunatic asylum. The first of his nine children was John Stuart Mill (John Maynard Keynes), a noted philosopher and thinker in his own right, whose education he strenuously supervised to mirror his own, giving him daily lessons, which the latter would pass on to his siblings, who lived in fear of their father’s intellectual disfavor. Concurrent with his son’s birth he began History of British India, a three volume affair, which took him 12 years to complete. In 1808, he began a fruitful association with philosopher and economist Jeremy Bentham, and helped him disseminate his Utilitarian ideas, which posited that the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the fundamental and self-evident principle of morality. The duo, however, would become increasingly estranged, thanks to the eccentricities of the latter, who supported him, but at an emotional price. Nevertheless, the group that formed around them, would prove extremely effective in effecting reforms. When his History of India was published in 1818, it raised his financial status considerably. The following year, he received a civil service appointment at East India House, in the prestigious department of the examiner of Indian correspondence. Continued to rise in rank, and eventually became head of the examiner’s office in 1830, with a handsome salary to match. In the interim, he proved a seminal figure in his encouragement of economic thought, in his nonstop need to spread the gospel of his own thoughts. As a critic, however, he was often the subject of other critics, who sniped at him for his deductive reasoning. Ultimately wrote 5 books, and more than a thousand essays and reviews, on a host of subjects from penology to education to political philosophy. Long subject to gout, he suffered a hemorrhage of the lungs and a year later died of bronchitis. Inner: Extremely logical and forceful, very much his mother’s son, with a precise intellect, and a gift for clear, careful exposition. Highly industrious, deductive, and eloquent as well, with a great need to continually put pen to paper. Because of his professorial role with his family, his homelife was often quite strained, although he was warm and cordial with others, particularly the young men who sought out his teacherly company. Far more effective orally than in his writings, which often did not reflect his contagious enthusiasm for ideas, many of which were unworkable. Dedicated lover of the Greek philosopher Plato, and like him, viewed intellectuality as the highest form of expression, and sensuality as the lowest. Hypercerebral lifetime of completely immersing himself in the ideals of ideas, per the Scottish Enlightenment, to become a goad and polemicist, with the goal of changing the world via the logic and clarity of clearly expressed thought.
Anthony Ashley Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury (1671-1713) - English statesman. Outer: Grandson of the 1st earl, who became his legal guardian. His father, the 2nd earl, was slightly subnormal mentally. Mother was the daughter of an earl, as well. Suffered frail health as a child, and had a governess who spoke fluent Latin and Greek, while his early education was directed by John Locke (Reinhold Neibuhr), who had negotiated his parents’ marriage. His grandfather, who was his formal guardian, fell to financial ruin when he was 10. Unhappy at Winchester College, where he was sent at age 12 as a warden’s boarder, and was subsequently mocked for his grandfather’s failings. Took a tour of Italy 3 years later, which ended his formal schooling. Returned to England following the “Glorious Revolution,” of 1688 and spent the next several years in quiet study, particularly the classical authors of antiquity. Elected to Parliament at 24 as a Whig, but ill health caused him to resign 3 years later, thanks to his asthmatic sensitivity to the foul London air. Went to the Netherlands for a year, which he found much more conducive to his philosophic inquiries, because of the society he kept, before returning to England. Attended sessions of the House of Lords, and succeeded his father in his late 20s, as the 3rd earl. Showed independence of mind, and was active during the reign of William III (Lyndon Johnson), although declined an offer to be Secretary of State because of health reasons. Saw he would have considerably less influence with the latter’s successor, Queen Anne (Princess Anne), and retired, although maintained his keen interest in politics. In 1703, he returned to the Netherlands for another year, and more stimulation, which improved his health considerably, then retired to his estate in his early 30s, and devoted himself to study and writing, although consumption slowly began turning him into an invalid. Turned his attention to philosophy, establishing himself as one of the primary English deists through his writings. In his late 30s, he married to please his friends, and did not see his wife, Jane Ewer, a gentleman’s daughter, until the match was settled, although it proved to be a happy one. One son from union, his heir, the 4th earl. Began publishing anonymously, advocating wit and humor as the ideal antidote to fanaticism. Died in Naples, where he went for his health. Propounded a benevolent, moral universe, where humans had an innate moral sense, but only a limited view of the truth. Influenced a variety of thinkers across the European continent in the century to come. Inner: Generous, amiable, Whig aristocrat, lover of liberty. Bombastic, with a turgid writing style. Lofty and ardent, as a dedicated church-goer, although disliked priests. Saw morality as separate from theology, and was an incipient utilitarian, in viewing all actions in terms of promoting the greater good. A great fan of stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius (Martin Heidigger), whom he assiduously studied. Constrained lifetime of a weak body, allowing him to retreat into his mind, while choosing philosophic religiosity over politics, rather than trying to integrate them.
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PATHWAY OF THE RULER AS CONTINUOUS IRON LADY:
Storyline: The querulous queen finally abandons her thrones for an uncommon take on commonality, showing herself as resolute, dynamic and willful without a sceptre in hand, as she ever was with one.
Margaret Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven (Margaret Roberts) (1925) - English politician. Known as “the Iron Lady.” Outer: From modest origins. Daughter of a grocer and Methodist lay preacher who was later twice elected mayor, and encouraged her sense of independence. One sister. Educated at a local girls’ schools and won an exhibition at Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied chemistry, with a focus on crystallography. Became the third woman president of the Univ. Conservative Association, then worked as a research chemist for a plastics firm, helping to develop methods for preserving ice cream. In 1951, she married Dennis Thatcher, the divorced, albeit prosperous, manager of a paint business, who proved immensely supportive of her, with the motto, “Always present, never there.” Twin children from union, including son Michael, who would become involved in several questionable undertakings. Left her job to study law, and became a barrister in 1953, switching from criminal to tax law. After losing her first election, she won a seat in Parliament in 1959 and experienced a steady rise through the Conservative party, including a seat on Edward Heath’s cabinet in 1970 as Secretary of State for Education and Science, although he would become a subsequent bitter enemy of hers after a party fight against his own selection for head, led her to become its leader in 1975, despite representing a minority view. In 1979, she led her party to victory and became England’s first woman prime minister, serving for 11 years. Focused on private enterprise and the curtailment of the British welfare state, while raising her popularity through a short successful war with Argentina in 1982. Her competitive pro-capitalist stances cost many industrial workers their jobs, although she always managed a plurality come election time, with a considerable 100+ seat margin in Commons, thanks in part to creating the illusion of an ownership society, with reduced rate flats, making Tories out of the newly minted home owners. Proved recalcitrant with unions, and strikers, particularly the miners’ union, thanks to stockpiling coal beforehand, and wound up breaking the back of trade unionism in the country through her refusal to deal with them, despite a yearlong strike, which saw many members splinter off and return to work through economic necessity. Avoided European union or any threat to British sovereignty, while cultivating close relations with the U.S.A., particularly the Reagan administration. Had her hotel room bombed by the IRA the day before her 59th birthday, although escaped injury. Fiercely anti-Soviet Union her entire political life, she allowed America to use British bases for cruise missiles, which raised the hackles of the anti-nuke crowd, but also was genuinely supportive of the rise Mikhail Gorbachev, as a reformist Soviet leader. Set in motion Hong Kong’s release from British colonial control, and continually took the stance of free enterprise and lack of state interference as the answer to all economic problems, and wound up selling off most of the large utilities which had been in the public domain. Dismantled the Welfare State, while also doing great damage to the British manufacturing base, and in the process, putting a lot of her her former worker’s permanently on the dole. Confrontational and unafraid of taking hardline stances, she won the sobriquet of ‘The Iron Lady,’ and became the first 20th Century prime minister to serve 3 terms in the post, before party infighting, and a faltering economy, eroded her support and she was forced to retire in favor of a hand-picked successor, John Major, with whom she later publicly disagreed. Had great difficulty in leaving office, staring at 10 Downing Street with tear-stained cheeks as her limousine drove her off the last time. Able to establish good working relations with other super/power leaders while in office, and continued to make her presence felt afterwards. Raised to the peerage on her retirement, then finally and fully retired in 2002 after a series of small strokes, which cost her her short term memory. Wrote the first volume of her memoirs, The Downing Street Years, then followed that with Statecraft, in which her Anglophile prejudices abounded. Inner: Dominating personality, huge ego, with strong traditionalist views despite being a modernizer. Self-assured, highly opinionated, natural leader, naturally intimidating. Stickler for parliamentary protocol, uncomfortable with women, disturbed by homophiles. Driven, excellent command of information, extremely hard-working, but also vindictive, holding onto old wounds. Placed a strong emphasis on divisions, rather than connections. Astutely remarked, “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.” Iron-willed lifetime of making her presence known from non-aristocratic origins, showing herself to be an archetypal empress even in a democratic state.
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1830-1903) - English prime minister. Outer: From an aristocratic family that descended from Lord Burghley (Hubert Humphrey) during the time of Elizabeth I (Mae West). Father was the 2nd Marquess, while his mother was the heiress to several large estates. 3rd son and 5th child of six. One older brother was debilitated his whole life. Had a lonely childhood, thanks to his distant father, while his mother made her early exit when he was 10. Frail and shy as a child, he was prone to depression, and took to both reading and botany as an escape. Educated at Eton, but was bullied there, thanks to his unathletic ungainliness, and eventually was tutored at home, showing an aptitude for scholarship. Went to Christ Church, Oxford, but his ongoing health problems proved an obstacle, and after two years, went on a world tour, visiting South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Returned in a much improved condition, with a focus for his professional life, in external foreign affairs, as a staunch imperialist. Graduated Oxford with a degree in mathematics, and entered Parliament in 1853, giving his maiden speech the following year. In 1857, he married Georgina Caroline Alderson, the daughter of a judge, 5 sons and 3 daughters from the union. His father had naysayed the marriage, deeming her of inferior social standing, and cut back his financial allowance. His wife, however, proved to be a perfect mate for him, raising their large brood, while also showing compassion for the poor on his estate, as well as organizing and teaching at school for the underprivileged in London. Began writing for political journals, in order to supplement his reduced income, and soon had the reputation as an incisive analyst. In 1866, he was named Secretary of State for India, under the Earl of Derby (Edward Heath), but resigned within the year in protest of extending the electoral franchise there. In 1868, he assumed his father’s title on the latter’s death, and entered the House of Lords. A year later, he became Chancellor of Oxford Univ. Built a laboratory at his ancestral home of Hatfield House, and experimented with electricity there, as well as chemistry, while intermingling with the scientific community of the day. When the Conservatives came back to power under Benjamin Disraeli (Aldous Huxley) in 1874, he once more became Secretary of State for India. Despite initial differences twixt the two, he became Foreign Secretary 4 years later, with his nephew Arthur Balfour acting his own secretary. Helped gain peace in the Balkans at the Congress of Berlin, while showing himself to be a gifted diplomat, and wound up as leader of the Conservative Party on Disraeli’s death in 1881. In 1885, he reluctantly became prime minister of a minority government, for a very brief run of only a couple of months. Returned to office the following year, and took advantage of the opposing party’s internal struggles to fashion a far stronger 2nd government over the next 6 years. Focused on foreign affairs, particularly British interests in Africa, while taking a largely laissez-faire attitude towards domestic policy, by giving his own ministers free reign. Breaking with the tradition of holding the post of First Lord of the Treasury along with his ministership, he undertook the difficult dual role of Foreign Secretary. Kept England out of conflict with its fellow continental imperial powers, and also built up the country’s defense, in lieu of making temporary alliances. Helped established the African colony of Rhodesia, and its capital city was named Salisbury after him. Able to appease the interest of other European powers in Africa as well. Became Prime Minister for a third time in 1895, at which point, he was a well-loved figure, despite his ongoing innate reserve. Fell victim to the Boer War, which broke out in South Africa in 1899, and thoroughly split his cabinet. His wife died the same year, and he suffered a few months break from office in 1900, before forming his fourth and final ministry, although did not serve as Foreign Secretary in the last. Ill health led to his resignation in 1902, shortly after peace was made with the Boers, and his nephew Balfour replaced him. Became the last of the peers to head the British government, and, in a sense, concluded the first several centuries of his aristocratic office, proving a durable and longlasting leader. Inner: Reserved, sarcastic and distant, with an unusually caustic tongue. Modest, courteous, with strong religious faith, went to chapel first thing virtually every morning. Portly, with a bad manner, and a noticeably unfashionable lifestyle, since society bored him. Despised demagogues, and disliked experts, although respected people of good character, seeing it more important than intellect. Gender-switching and looking-backward lifetime of counterbalancing his iron lady side with a conservative, traditionalist male one, to become a strong voice of a vanishing aristocratic past in a transitional century that would never again quite produce his like.
Ulrika Eleanora (1688-1720) - Queen of Sweden. Outer: Father was Carl IX (Harry Cohn) of Sweden, mother was the daughter of the king of Denmark and Norway, and she was named after her. One of 7 siblings. Had a royal upbringing, and proved to be an extremely headstrong, albeit homely child. Married a Calvinist German landgrave in her late 20s, who wanted to use her to gain the throne, no children from the union. After the death of her older sister in 1708, she became heir apparent to the throne. At 30, she was elected queen on the death of her brilliant, but short-lived and unmarried, warrior brother, Charles XII (Georgi Zhukov), but refused a constitutional limitation of her powers to rule jointly with the reigning executive and legislative bodies of government. Abdicated after 15 months in favor of her husband, the future Frederick I, with whom she shared strong rapport, despite his many affairs, and he ascended to the throne in 1720. The king, in turn, gave up significant powers to Parliament, inaugurating an age of freedom, which she was able to accept, since her spouse showed more interest in amusing himself than affairs of state. Under their joint constitutional rule Sweden prospered, coming back from the economic devastation brought on by the constant wars of their predecessor. Predeceased her husband by a decade. Inner: Despotic character, unwilling to share power with anyone save her husband, to whom she was devoted. Partnership lifetime of being denied queenly authority, save in concert with a mate who had little desire to exercise his own royal prerogative, in her own gradual descent from an earlier sense of absolutism, in preparation for redesigning herself for the egalitarian age to come.
Margaret Tudor (1489-1541) - English queen of Scotland. Outer: Elder daughter of Henry VII (Rupert Murdoch) and Elizabeth (Michelle Pfeiffer), and younger sister of Henry VIII (Maxwell Beaverbrook). At the age of 13, she was married to James IV (Kathleen Kennedy) of Scotland, bringing with her a much needed dowry of £10,000. 6 children from union, although only 2 survived, including their successor James V (Peter O’Toole). After her husband fell on the battlefield, along with a lot his nobility in 1513, she served as regent for her 17 month old son, over a reduced country, whose top layer had been sheered off. Never able to establish any rapport with her son, since the two rarely spent any time together, and he was taken away at the age of 3, making him roundly dislike her when he came of age. Her regency met with great opposition, as she took a pro-English stance, securing peace with her native country in 1514, the same year she married Archibald Douglas, the 6th Earl of Angus, who was pro-English. Besieged in Stirling and forced to flee the country as the Scottish Parliament replaced her as regent with the Duke of Albany, who was pro-French, since he was more French than Scottish, and only visited the country 3 times in the next decade, before leaving for good. Had a daughter in England, then returned to Edinburgh in 1517, quarreled with her husband, and then joined the pro-French party, since that was where the power lay. Provoked the jealousy of her husband by sidling too closely to Albany, and he stormed off to France. Played off of both parties, carried off her son to Edinburgh, and abrogated Albany’s regency in 1524, to the outrage of one and all. Fired on her husband when he came to Edinburgh, but after Albany’s departure in 1525, she staged a coup with her husband, and held onto power until James came into his majority. Annulled her marriage in 1527, and married again, to her favorite, Henry Stewart, who was made first Lord Methven, and together they became James’s chief adviser, a year prior to her son taking the reins of government. In 1534, after she made a peace treaty with England, James discovered she had been taking bribes and passing state secrets to her brother Henry VIII. Unsuccessfully tried to dump her third husband, then tried to flee to England, but she was overtaken. Remained a Scottish burr to her royal English brother, and finally died at Methven Castle. Inner: Grumpy and dumpy, with an instinct for both power and intrigue. Highly manipulative and continually scheming to make her will known. Megamatriarchal lifetime of flexing her royal reach as far as it would go under limiting circumstances in an extremely martial domain. Margaret I (1353-1412) Scandinavian queen. Outer: Only surviving child of the king of Denmark. At the age of 6, she was betrothed to Haakon, the Norwegian king, as a means of countering other ducal claims to the Scandinavian thrones. When hostilities between all the factions finally petered in 1363, she and he were wed in Sweden, a throne which her husband also coveted. A powerful duke turned monarch, however, wound up bearing it from 1364 to 1389. Spent her childhood at the Norwegian court, under the tutelage of the daughter of a Swedish saint, and proved herself to be far superior to her husband, and eventually, in essence, the ruler of the country. One son from union, Olaf, born in 1370. On her father’s death in 1375, she succeeded in getting her son elected to the Danish throne, and she became regent for him. Afterwards, he succeeded his father as king of Norway on the latter’s death in 1380. While she and her son were plotting to wage war on the third part of the Scandinavian trifecta, Olaf suddenly died at the age of 17, and she now reigned alone over the two realms, proving herself willful, clever and tyrannical, as she skillfully and diplomatically tapped into the discontent of the Swedish nobles, to try to add that country to her extended regal reach. Adopted her 6 year old great-nephew Eric as heir, and then after gaining vast Swedish domains, defeated and captured her rival king in 1389, and was elected ‘Lady and Mistress’ of Sweden, uniting all three Scandinavian kingdoms under her, although her rival’s supporters did not surrender Stockholm until century’s nearend. Her heir, Eric, who went on to marry the daughter of King Henry IV (Leslie Hore-Belisha) of England, was made king of Denmark in 1389, and in 1396, was elected to the kingship of the other two combined realms. The following year, she instituted the Union of Kalmar, which upheld the absolutism of the hereditary monarchy, instead of the election of kings, which some nobles preferred, to perpetually unite Scandinavia, but it soon proved an unworkable union, despite lasting a little over a century. Despite the crowning of Eric, she remained the real ruler, centralizing the power of the throne, at the expense of other elements. Ruthlessly taxed in excess, as well appropriated some church lands, while still maintaining good relations with the Holy See. Continually tried to stop German expansion into her realms, and secured her southern Denmark borders. Known by her subjects as, ‘the Lady King,’ for her firm grip on the throne. Died suddenly of the plague in the midst of an armed conflict with German interests. Inner: Strong, willful and resolute, using every trick available to her, diplomacy, tradition and thunderous might. It’s good to be queen lifetime of being given sole power of an extended queendom, and enjoying it to the hilt, as an apex point on her ongoing arc through the monarchy, before ultimately plummeting back down to plebian status at millennium’s nearend, as she tests the limits of power in a patriarchal world while encased in the corseted body of a willful matriarch.
Cartimandua (fl. 1st. cent AZ) - British tribal queen. Outer: Of noble birth, her name meant ‘sleek pony.’ Became queen of the Brigantes, at the time the largest tribe in the British Isles. Married to a certain Venutius, who served as her consort, although she maintained power in her own right, since the Britons of the time had a number of fierce female leaders. Willing to make peace with the Romans in exchange for being a client ruler, when they invaded the British Isles in 43AZ, although several elements of her tribe staged revolts against the agreement. Used Roman support to put them down, then to show her loyalty to the Eternal City, in 51AZ she handed over a neighboring tribal leader, Caratacus, a premier military leader, who had sought asylum with her. Her consort was outraged at the move, calling her a traitor, and twice tried to overthrow her over during the next five year period, although the two were uneasily reconciled, and managed another 12 years together. Did not join in the rebellion of Boudicca (Beryl Markham) when the Iceni rose against the Romans in 61 AZ. Continued to use Roman backing to cement her own position, and in 69BZ, after her consort tried to overthrow her yet again, she divorced him and married his armor bearer. When her spouse revolted soon after, she was unable, even with Roman help, to contain him, and she disappears shortly afterwards from both his’n’herstory. Her husband briefly ruled the Brigantes as an independent kingdom, before falling to the swords of the Romans, at which point they annexed the whole sorry lot. Looked on quite negatively by contemporary and subsequent chroniclers, despite the difficulties of her position, and her need for dexterous deviousness to maintain her near two decade hold on a large and difficult tribe during high duress times. Inner: Cunning and highly politic. More than willing to compromise and manipulate to maintain power, leaving her with a traitorous reputation to subsequent his/storians, despite all the inherent difficulties she faced in maintaining her position. Manipulative lifetime of dealing with the realpolitik of subjugated rule, allowing her a near two decade run amidst calumnies galore, before ultimately being forced to ignominiously hightail it out of his’n’herstory, necessitating further thrones for her to sit upon, in order to assuage the loss of this one.
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PATHWAY OF THE RULER AS EVOLVING SELF-EMANCIPATOR:
Storyline: The canny centrist combines a strong Christian sensibility with a political pragmatism to forge a successful public career for himself, until he runs afoul of the commandment about killing in his support of a war not of his making, and becomes yet another civic sacrifice to its blasphemous violence.
Tony Blair (1953) - English politician. Outer: Father was a law professor, whose parents were both actors. Mother’s family were Protestants from Ireland. His older brother became a barrister, and also has one younger sister. Moved shortly after his birth to Glascow, and spent 3 years in the mid-1950s in Adelaide, Australia, before settling in Durham. When he was 11, his sire suffered a serious stroke just when he was about to run for Parliament as a Conservative. Received scholarship help to attend prep school in Scotland. Studied at Fettes College, Edinburgh and then St. John’s College, Oxford, showing little interest in politics, and far more in athletics, while playing bass guitar and performing as lead singer for a band called Ugly Rumors. Traveled for a year in London and Paris, then became a committed Christian, and his religiosity ultimately led him into politics to practice the social gospel. Got his law degree in 1975, moved to London and joined the Labour Party. In 1980, he married a Roman Catholic lawyer, Cherie Booth, 4 children from union, including the last one born while he was prime minister. The quartet would all be brought up as Catholics. Both ran for office in 1983, although she lost and dropped out of politics. Became shadow home secretary, and was nicknamed ‘Bambi,’ by the press, but proved his resiliency by successfully challenging the core of Labour beliefs, after becoming head of the Party in 1994. Helped completely overhaul its socialist principles and moved it to the pragmatic center, before becoming Prime Minister in 1997. Extremely popular, he modeled his political positions on American president Bill Clinton’s centrist stances, calling his party the ‘new Labour,’ while adopting many conservative tenets and abandoning its previous socialist slant by embracing capitalism, free markets and privatization. Counseled the royal family on their public image after the death of Princess Diana, and capitalized on it, dubbing her ‘the people’s princess.’ Enjoyed widespread popularity for his telegenic presence and ability to reflect the pragmatic reform politics of fin de siecle England. Improved the economy with pro-market policies, while introducing a minimum wage, and maintaining Margaret Thatcher’s stance of union control. Became embroiled in George Bush’s invasion of Iraq in 2003, thanks to his own neoimperialist views of Britain returning to the world stage. His stance proved very unpopular among England’s voting public and he saw his previous high standing plummet, as well as his Parliamentary majority erode, as home grown Islamic terrorism reared its violent head, forcing him eventually to crown his chancellor of the exchequer, Gordon Brown, as his heir presumptive. Continued his unabashed support of America’s Iraqi blunders so that by 2006, a fairly universal call arose in Britain for his own timetable of withdrawal from office, including from inside his own party, for a major mistake in judgement, which will probably cloud his entire career. Eight members of his cabinet went on to quit, leaving him no choice but to give a date in 2007 for his ultimate step-down, while his approval ratings sank to 26%. Began breaking with Bush over Iran, as well as giving timetables for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, in one final attempt at ameliorating his ultimate legacy, although suffered yet another black eye after scrapping an arms deal bribery probe in late 2006, that would have added the finishing tarnishing touches to an administration that will probably not be remembered kindly by his/story. A further scandal, in which he was the first PM ever questioned by the police as a witness in a cash-for-honors affair in early 2007, further clouded his near decade-long run, as the eighth longest serving in his office. Finally forced to step down mid-year, and became a special envoy to the Mid/East, charged with trying to negotiate the Israeli/Palestinian dispute. At year’s end, he converted to his wife’s faith, Roman Catholicism, and in 2008, announced the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, an organization dedicated to dealing with the world’s ills through the active collaboration of its different religions. Admitted at the end of 2009, that he would invaded Iraq regardless of WMD, setting off a storm of protest from critics over his cavalier use of British resources and total disregard of the country’s life and limb, and insuring his continued unpopularity for the rest of his public life. Inner: Self-assured, consistent, with a great desire to be loved by the voting mass. Extrovert, gregarious, self-controlled rebel and silver-tongued debater. Adept at re-adaptation, as well as self-invention. Articulate, deeply religious. Mediagenic lifetime of re-inventing himself to take England into the 21st Century as a social gospel Christian, with an agenda built on pragmatics rather than principles, only to find himself tied to an unpopular and provocative war not of his making, and ultimately being defeated by it.
Andrew Bonar Law (1858-1923) - Irish/English politician. Outer: Of Irish descent. Father was a Presbyterian minister who had emigrated to Canada. Mother died when he was 2. Shipped back to Scotland at the age of 12, where he was raised by wealthy maternal cousins. Left school at 16 to join a Glascow firm of iron merchants, eventually rising to partner. Became a bank director and chairman of the Glascow Iron Trade Assn. In 1891, he married Annie Robley, the daughter of a Glascow shipbroker, 6 children, one son became a politician. Well off by century’s end, he entered Parliament as a Conservative in 1900, where his imperialistic views brought him to the fore. His wife died in 1906, and his sister looked after his home. In 1911, he became a compromise candidate for Conservative Party leader. His chief adviser, for whom he served as political mentor, was Maxwell Beaverbrook, later a publishing tycoon. Vehemently opposed Irish Home Rule, having descended from Ulstermen. After the outbreak of WW I, he became secretary for the colonies in the wartime coalition government of Herbert Asquith, and then intrigued against him. Recommended David Lloyd George when asked by the king to form a new government, and became leader of the House of Commons, member of the war cabinet and chancellor of the Exchequer, using his financial adeptness to manage money-raising programs. Showed himself to be a strong political enemy of Winston Churchill, whom he despised. Made lord of the privy seal following the war, until ill health forced him to resign his offices in 1921, after leading the Conservatives for a decade. The following year, because of the resignation of a host of Tories, he became Prime Minister, the first ever who was born in Canada. His short reign, in which he broke diplomatic relations with France, was over by the following year, because of an inoperable malignancy in his throat. Died soon afterwards of throat cancer, with his voice inaudible at the end. Inner: Good chess player, teetotaler, upright and passionate about his politics, although had sober, contained character. Honest, kind, quiet, hard worker. Practical realist, melancholic, with an abnormally retentive memory. Had little interests outside of politics. Lived simply, smoked excessively and shunned society. Choked-off lifetime of ultimately strangling on his own bottled-up persona, where his inner passions could not find their true voice of expression.
Robert Peel (1788-1850) - English statesman. Outer: Father was a wealthy cotton manufacturer of the same name, who was made a baronet. Eldest son, he was raised a low Church Anglican. Educated at Harrow and Christ Church, Oxford, before his father procured a parliamentary seat for him at 19 as a Conservative. Became chief secretary for Ireland, a difficult position, in which he showed himself both able and incorruptible, while strongly opposing Catholic emancipation. Established the Peace Preservation Police, known as ‘peelers.’ Chairman of the currency commission on his return, in which he reintroduced the gold standard, then joined the cabinet of the next government as home secretary. Married Julia Floyd, a great beauty, to whom he was devoted, two daughters and five sons from the union. Reformed the criminal codes, and set up the first disciplined police force in London, which were called Bobby’s boys, and later bobbies. Resigned his cabinet post, entered the next cabinet as home secretary, and ultimately resigned again over the Catholic exclusion question, although he was convinced to reconsider and lost his seat over his change of heart. Began to question unchanging Tory creed, which weakened his position, as well as divided the party. Asked in 1834 to form a new government, he became prime minister, although he was forced to resign the following year, but not before issuing a new Conservative manifesto. Strengthened the party over the next 6 years, and became prime minister again in 1841, this time with a working majority behind him. Tried to abolish the restrictive tariffs of the Corn Laws, after first supporting them since they aided wealthy farmers, while raising the prices of bread for the poor, although he was forced to resign, only to once more return to office, finally effecting the repeal, but at the price of his ministry. The party splits he engendered would cause a full generation to pass before it gained power again. Resigned and spent the rest of his career supporting free-trade principles. Stiff and formal in his political engagements, he won the enmity of Queen Victoria (Mary Renault), who found him unattractive and cold. His social secretary was killed in Whitehall by a deranged Scotsman looking for him. Estranged his party by taking it through two crises, changing his mind on both, but held to his principles as primary architect of stability and prosperity in a rapidly changing age of industrialism. After his retirement, a skittish horse threw him over its head and he died two days later. Inner: Extremely practical, learning through events. Proud, shy, quick-tempered, stubborn and autocratic. Earnest, strenuous, and gentlemanly, saw politics as a moral exercise. Had a deep concern with the industrial population and its miseries. Moral lifetime of playing a central role in forging England’s modern Conservative Party, while trying to integrate his principled interior with the passion and demands of activist politics.
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PATHWAY OF THE POLITICIAN AS MORALISTIC PARLIAMENTARIAN:
Storyline: The cerebral ethicist remains a creature of his times and their beliefs, in his various transatlantic incarnations, showing a contradictory high road nature and a host of low road prejudices, while trying to reconcile the two through a highly activist interest in world affairs, and a desire to reshape the globe according to his own moral imperatives.
J. William Fulbright (James William Fulbright) (1905-1995) - American politician. Outer: Mother was an outspoken newspaper columnist, father was a farmer and wealthy businessman. Family moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas when he was 3. Mother maintained a lively salon, surrounding the Univ. of Arkansas. Had a sheltered, stimulating childhood. Graduated from the Univ. of Arkansas at 20, and then was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, earning an MA in 1931. Married Elizabeth Kremer Williams, a Philadelphia socialite in 1932, 2 daughters. After getting his law degree, at George Washington Univ. Law School, he worked for the antitrust division of the Justice Dept. for a year, then taught law at George Washington. Returned to his original alma mater and became the college’s president in 1939, where he fought to raise the standards, but resigned two years later in a dispute with the Arkansas governor. Won a seat in the House of Reps in 1942, where he sponsored a resolution for U.S. participation in the future United Nations. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1942, and then won re-election 4 more times, serving until 1974. In 1946, he established the Fulbright scholarship program between U.S. and foreign countries. Made headlines by opining that Pres. Harry S. Truman should resign and give the responsibility of government to the party with current popular support, which earned him the former’s undying ire. Served as a singular figure of integrity during the McCarthy era, who dubbed him ‘Senator Halfbright,’ but also resisted desegregation and the civil rights of African-Americans, maintaining his seat in the Senate through his backward social views combined with his forward international ones. Championed détente with the Soviet Union throughout his career. Chairman of the powerful Foreign Relations Committee for 15 years, starting in 1959, where he was a staunch anti-communist although later vigorously opposed the Vietnam War, finally losing his seat at war’s end. Remained in Washington afterwards, and joined a prestigious law firm where his clientele included the Japanese government and the United Arab Emirates. Served as a mentor to future president Bill Clinton, who was one of his staff members, although the two often exasperated one another. Authored several books on a variety of subjects. Wife died in 1986, married an executive director of the Fulbright Alumni Association in 1990. Had a stroke in 1988, and a more severe one in 1993. Revealed after his retirement, a firm belief in the efficacy of English parliamentary rule in preference to the American constitutional separation of powers. Died at home from a stroke, that he suffered 3 weeks earlier. Inner: Bookish, sometimes supercilious, and a continual scold. Dedicated to peace and wary of power. Had an all-abiding interest in foreign affairs, with a view that the U.S. should serve as a moral beacon for the world. Saw Vietnam in totally moralistic terms, and the U.S. as a bully, abridging its position as a beacon for negligible political purpose. Great believer in educated, enlightened leadership. Halfbright lifetime of continuing to develop his worldview, while remaining a bigot and supremacist at heart, which may necessitate a return as a minority to give him a fuller sense of his fellow humans, and a deeper and more morally inclusive overview of the denizens of this planet.
William Gladstone (William Ewart Gladstone) (1807-1898) - British statesman and orator. Outer: Of Scottish descent. Fifth child and fourth and youngest son of a self-made Liverpool businessman with thwarted higher political ambitions, after serving as an MP for 9 years. Mother, who was his second wife, was of the lesser gentry. The latter along with a sister, who was also his godmother, were evangelical pietists, after long illnesses on their parts. Because of their influence, he originally wanted to take orders, but his father dissuaded him, wishing to live vicariously through his son. The family’s money was based in part on slave labor sugar plantations in the West Indies. Read widely from childhood on, and also maintained a daily diary his entire life, without particularly delving into his private processes. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, where he was president of the Oxford Union Society, and was an outstanding student. Went on a grand tour of continental Europe with his brother afterwards, and then began his political career as a Tory MP in 1832, and the following year entered Lincoln’s Inn. Made his maiden speech in 1833, on terms of emancipation of slaves in the West Indies. Slowly evolved from an ultra-conservative into a liberal, through his highly principled overview. Always moved in the best circles and evinced a formidable intellectuality, while believing politics was a field for moral forces. Published two tomes during the decade, and in 1840, took part in the founding of Trinity College, Glenallen. After two rejections by others, in 1839, he married Catherine Glynne, the daughter of a baronet, whose family was a member of the Whig uppercrust, 8 children from the union, including one liberal politician, and one daughter who died at 5. His happy marriage to a wife quite his opposite in her apolitical, familial interests and relaxed and untidy mien, gave him a secure base, although from 1840, he used a penitential whip or scourge on himself in moments of spiritual distress, as well as to relieve himself of the temptations of pornography, thanks to his wife’s frequent childbearing periods and absences, during which time she helped her own sister through a series of 14 pregnancies. Rose steadily via a variety of posts, while continually making his opinions and oppositions known on every issue facing Parliament, thanks to a magnetic sense of oratory, and a delight in creating controversy. Joined Robert Peel’s (Tony Blair) cabinet in 1843, although resigned 2 years later, then vacated his seat on becoming secretary of state for colonies, before running again from Oxford Univ. and maintaining his seat for the next 18 years. In 1845, he became involved with the Engagement, a secret lay religious group, which started him on an obsession with rescuing prostitutes, an avocation he pursued even when he became Prime Minister, as a means of tempering his own sexual desires. Always the imperious shaper of policy, and a humanitarian in procedures if not in personal practice, he held numerous other offices and eventually became Prime Minister in 1866, a position he held four times, from 1866 to 1874, 1880 to 1885, 1886, and 1892 to 1894, to become a prime shaper of Victorian England, as a champion of individual liberty and a foe of political and economic restraints. The Queen, herself, despised him as a “half-mad firebrand,” while his primary opponent was the far more charming Benjamin Disraeli (Aldous Huxley), whom he instensely disliked. A woman who dined with both on succeeding evenings stated the former made her feel he was the most important figure in the world, while the latter made her feel she was the omni-important. Anti-Catholic, but pro-Irish, conservative reformist, and an aristocratic representative of an industrial district, he was a mass of effective contradictions, in a long showcase life of his considerable political talents. Known as the “Grand Old Man” to his working-class supporters, for his ethical and reformist stances. Retired after losing the support of his cabinet, he busied himself by editing the works of Bishop Joseph Butler, an earlier prelate whom he had long revered. Gave one last speech in 1896 denouncing Turkish atrocities in Armenia, then died two years later of cancer of the palate. Buried in the statesman’s corner of Westminster Abbey. Inner: Demagogic by nature, and the very apotheosis of British liberalism and benign imperial concern for the rest of the benighted world. Serious and prayerful, and a Homeric scholar, seeing the Greek writer as a secular counterbalance to Holy Scriptures. Father, more or less, of the British welfare state, with a dedication to free markets and limited government. Chewed his food 32 times to the mouthful and felled trees on his estate to release his considerable tensions. Loved the theater, and enjoyed the company of actors and actresses, while reading widely in European literature and engaging in extensive correspondence with European scholars on a variety of subjects. Moral imperative lifetime of being at the center of six decades of British politics as a means of giving highly articulate voice to his ongoing ambition of making the world a far more ethical place for his having been in it.
William Pitt, the Younger (1759-1806) - British prime minister. Outer: Second son of William Pitt the Elder (Al Sharpton). Mother was the sister of former PM George Grenville. Delicate and precocious, he was educated at home by his father with the express purpose of entering politics. Had a long neck and sharp nose. Entered Pembroke Hall, Cambridge at 14 and was present at his father’s collapse in Parliament in 1778. Experienced relative poverty afterwards, thanks to his sire’s excesses, and was called to the bar 2 years later. Entered Parliament at age 22, through deal-making, and showed a remarkable self-confidence, despite his initial subordinate position. Became chancellor of the exchequer the following year, and was made Prime Minister in 1783 by the George III (Jeffrey Archer), and served in that position for the next 18 years. His appointment was greeted with considerable derision, although he was able to secure a parliamentary majority the following year. Engaged in a lifelong rivalry with the libidinous Charles James Fox (Bob Geldof), his opposite in every way. Never married. Fought one duel, but both he and his opponent fired into the air. Saw his popularity rise with his policies, and weathered the king’s subsequent first bout of insanity in 1788, without losing his office to a regency. His liberal policies ended when Great Britain became involved in the French Revolutionary Wars in the 1790s, despite his desire for peace and neutrality. Proved himself an eloquent liberal royalist, eloquent, and beholden to the king rather than his party, so that he was forced to resign after a near two-decade run in power, when the king opposed his call for Catholic Emancipation in Ireland. Recalled in 1804 under the threat of a Napoleonic invasion, but his 2nd ministry lasted only two years and undermined his health, and he died soon after resigning it from overwork, anxiety, and his ongoing addiction to port, as a compensation for the pressures of office. Inner: Withdrawn, solemn, with absolute no interest in women, but an all-abiding passion for politics as a moderate progressive. Great believer in himself, although he lacked the vision to truly deal with the social problems of his time. In the arena lifetime of being given both the bloodlines and practical education for the prime ministership without the pitbull body to allow him to weather defeat and resurrect as he would in his next far longer and more effective run at the same office.
Hugh Latimer (c1485-1555) - British prelate and martyr. Outer: Father was a prosperous yeoman farmer. Went to Cambridge Univ. in 1500, and became a fellow of Clare Hall. Ordained and built a solid reputation as a Roman Catholic Cambridge preacher, while wrestling with himself over Martin Luther’s (Martin Luther King) protestant doctrines, after having been introduced to by a group of young Cambridge divines. Refused to refute them in 1525, and was compelled to explain himself before Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (Henry Kissinger), and was dismissed, although given the liberty to preach throughout England. Made his famous ‘on the card,’ sermon in 1529, and by the following year, was a master in theology at Oxford. Gained the favor of Henry VIII (Maxwell Beaverbrook) by supporting the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon (Mary Renault), and received the benefice of West Kingdom in Wiltshire for doing so. Despite having spiritual friends in high places, he was accused of heresy and brought before a convocation by the bishop of London, where he was excommunicated and imprisoned, although was later absolved after making a full submission. Made bishop of Worcester in 1535, and preached Queen Jane Seymour’s (Jane Seymour) funeral sermon two years later. Seen as a reformer, although was not active in the movement. Encouraged Puritanism in his diocese, then resigned his bishopric because he could not support the governmental religious position, and also had lost his main support at court. Kept in custody in the Tower of London for nearly a year, and then after 8 years silence, made his famous ‘on the plough’ sermon in 1548. On the accession of the Catholic Mary I (Rose Kennedy), he was arrested for treason and condemned to the Tower of London in 1553. Sent to Oxford the following year, along with Nicholas Ridley and Thomas Cranmer (Malcolm Boyd) to appear before the leading divines of the university, and was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake, where he issued his immortal dying line, “...we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England as I trust shall never be put out.” Inner: Powerful orator, deeply religious. Martyred lifetime of having his spiritual integrity sorely tested before blazing out in the full glory of deliberately sacrificing himself to the greater glory of his beliefs.
William of Wykeham (1324-1404) - English prelate and statesman. Outer: From a poor family, but was educated at Winchester Cathedral Priory through the patronage of his local Lord of the Manor. Became secretary to the latter afterwards, and through dint of his noticeable skills and intelligence, he was brought to court in his early 20s, and ultimately entered the service of Edward III (Duke of Wellington) in his early 30s, becoming his most trusted adviser. Made bishop of Winchester in his early 40s after being appointed chancellor of England in 1364, but lost the latter post through the anti-clerical machinations of John of Gaunt (Lyndon Johnson), who assumed power in the king’s senility. The 2 became bitter foes, with Gaunt pressing charges of corruption against him. As bishop, he proved extremely diligent in reforming abuses in the monasteries and religious houses throughout his diocese. Founded Winchester and New College, Oxford, as well as a prepatory school for boys for the former, as a means of dispensing the largesse of his diocese in the most effective and beneficial way possible. Eventually pardoned by Richard II (Richard Nixon), whom he served as chancellor for 2 years to end his active career. Finally retired in 1391, at which point he took no more active role in public affairs, save for appearing in Parliament when Richard was deposed, and several days later when Henry IV (Leslie Hore-Belisha) was acknowledged as the new monarch. Continued to discharge his episcopal duties until 4 days before his death. Inner: Emaciated, pious, liberal, austere and frugal, although extremely generous and prudent with the powers and moneys at his disposal. Had a high reputation for sanctity, and as a learned soul. Strong desire to both teach and hold power. Principled lifetime of entering politics at its highest levels as a spiritual adviser, and learning to remain focused on personal objectives, despite the devious manipulations of others.
Philipp (Philipp von Schwaben) (1178-1208) - German Holy Roman Emperor. Outer: Of the Hohenstaufen line. Youngest son of HRE Friedrich I (J.P. Morgan). Destined for a church career, he became provost of the cathedral at Aachen, then was elected bishop of Wurzburg in his early teens. After the death of one of his brothers, he abandoned his ecclesiastical career, while another brother, HRE Heinrich VI (Jean Paul Getty) made him Duke of Tuscany, then Swabia. In 1197, he married Irene Angelina, the daughter of the Byzantine emperor, 4 daughters from union. When Heinrich died in 1197, his son, the future emperor Friedrich II (Yukio Mishima) was only 2, and the German princes were unwilling to accept the boy as king. Those favorable to the Hohenstaufens elected him German king in 1198, while those opposed elected Otto IV (Chris Patten) from the rival Welf dynasty. In the civil war that followed, the Hohenstaufens initially prevailed, although the pope recognized his rival and excommunicated him. A series of Otto’s supporters defected over to him, and in 1205 he was crowned by the archbishop of Cologne. After Cologne, which had sided with Otto, was captured in 1207, he offered his 10 year old daughter in marriage to Otto as well as territory, and a truce was arranged between the duo that lasted a year. In 1208 the pope recognized him as king and promised to crown him as emperor. As he was preparing to move his armies against Otto, he was murdered by a German noble whom he had refused to give one of his daughters in marriage. Inner: Gentle, generous, pious, mild-mannered, learned and brave. Expanding lifetime of switching to the political realm in order to get the full experience of the emperor/pope duality of power in medieval Europe, only to be undone before gaining a full taste of it.
Edward (c1003-1066) - English king. Known as Edward the Confessor. Outer: Elder son of Athelstan II (Bob Hope) and his second wife, Emma (Mae West). Lived in Normandy from the age of 10 and was brought up at the monastery of Ely. An albino, and of middle-height. Resided at the court of his half-brother, Hardecanute (Guy Burgess), who brought him to England in 1041, perhaps to be his heir, after a quarter century exile. Crowned in 1043, and recognized by William of Normandy, later William I (Mohandas Gandhi) of England, as well as by the Germans and the French. Surrounded himself with his Norman favorites and was unduly influenced by them. In 1045, he reluctantly married Edith, the daughter of Godwin of Essex (Chris Patten), an English earl, although she divorced him and went to a nunnery in 1051 when her father was exiled, only to later return to court when her power-tripping sire and he reconciled. The marriage was childless. Highly partial to monasticism, while trusting the administration of his government to Normans, which created an intrigue-filled court. Obsessively religious, he built Westminster Abbey as the price of papal absolution when he broke his vow to make a pilgrimage to Rome. It was consecrated in 1065, but he was too ill to attend. Virtually all English monarchs from William on down would be crowned there, and it would serve as the most lasting element of his reign. Quarreled with Godwin, entertained William I at his court, then reconciled with the former, after he planned an invasion of England. Intended to make a nephew his heir, but the succession problem ultimately precipitated the Battle of Hastings, when the House of Normandy succeeded to the throne. When he was dying, he asked his ex-wife to care for her brother Harold II (Moshe Dayan), but she promptly deserted his cause. Also made dire predictions on his deathbed about the kingdom. Canonized in 1161. Inner: Deeply religious, but inept, and out of his depth. Gracious, always dignified, moderate in habits, charitable, compassionate and devout. Childlike nature with a poor sense of judgment, a largely ineffectual, shadowy figure. Did, however, have the ability to heal by touching. Highly ineffective lifetime of trying to transliterate his saintly nature into rule, while serving as only an interim figure between the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England and the beginning of its Norman replacement.
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PATHWAY OF THE POLITICIAN AS CAUTIOUS CEREBRATER:
Storyline: The charisma-challenged conservative turned liberal fashions a second shot at an office that had earlier overwhelmed him, in order to make karmic amends with the past, present and future, in his ongoing need to prove his capabilities to both himself and the world-at-large.
Gordon Brown (James Gordon Brown) (1951) - Scottish/English politician. Outer: Father was a Church of Scotland minister. A good student, he entered the Univ. of Edinburgh at the age of 16. A rugby accident and a subsequent detached retina rendered him blind in his left eye. Had to lie in a darkened room afterwards for weeks to save his sight in his other orb. Graduated with First Class Honors as a his/story student, and wrote his doctorate on the Labour Party and Scotland during the post-WW I decade, with a focus on James Maxton. While still a student, he was elected rector of his alma mater, as well as holding other posts. Later became a lecturer there, as well as at Glasgow College of Technology, then switched careers to TV journalism, as prelude to a political career, although he lost his first election in 1979, as a Labourite to the Conservative candidate., he was elected in 1983, as an MP from Fife, holding his reconstituted post until 2005. During the Conservative run of government, he held two shadow secretariats, before becoming Shadow Chancellor in 1992. Following the death of a key Labour leader in 1994, he and Tony Blair formed the essence of the New Labour Party, fashioned after American Bill Clinton’s compromised reconstituting of the Democratic Party as a centrist organ, with Republican overtones. Did the same for Labour’s economic stances, adopting several Conservative stances. In 1997, when Labour won the election, he was tapped by Prime Minister Blair as his Chancellor of the Exchequer, and wound up second only to Nicholas Vansittart, an earlier life of his, as the longest office holder of that position. Gave the Bank of England more operational independence, while trying to keep taxes under control, by gearing them towards inflation rather than earnings, but in reality, he reduced corporate taxes, while creating more burdens for the lower income earners. Borrowed some ideas from the Clinton playbook, and expanded government spending on health and education, while surpassing the Eurozone’s growth rate. Able to maintain growth for his entire Chancellorship, although critics stated his Conservative predecessors had more than a little to do with it. In 2000, he married public relations executive Sarah Macaulay. Their first child, a daughter was born prematurely and died. A second son was healthy, but a third child, also a son, was born with cystic fibrosis. An active supporter of integrating environmental and economic concerns, as well as reducing Third World debt, he also struck an angry education chord by accusing Oxford Univ. of elitism in its admissions. Managed to make himself heir apparent to the increasingly embattled Blair, whose popularity waned precipitously over his support of George W. Bush’s Iraq War, and acted accordingly as a projected statesman capable of leading Britain deeper into the 21st century. Supposedly plotted for years to prematurely oust Blair, to little avail. Has published four books, including an expansion of his thesis, and a collection of speeches. Finally ascended to prime minister in mid/year of 2007, and was greeted immediately with celebratory car bombs that failed to detonate, allowing him to win plaudits for his aplomb in handling the potential incendiary situation. Went to Iraq later in the year and upstaged a conservative convention by announcing British troops would be drawn down even further there, but subsequently saw his popularity erode in the polls, and was forced to retreat from calling a sure-victory election when the outcome of it no longer was predictable. Went on to curb liberties in the name of security, while evincing an ongoing tentativeness that did little to inspire his fellow Britons. Election loses in the spring of 2008 would lessen his hold on power even more, and stir challenges within his own party for his position as its head. Subsequently dealt with the world-wide financial meltdown in similar fashion to his American counterparts, with Keynesian-style bail-outs, a cut in the sales tax, a rise in tax rates for the rich, a sell-off of gold, and a promised debt that could surpass £1 trillion, as well as laying the blame on the American mortgage crisis. Became more and more embattled through 2009, losing several cabinet members, amidst calls from both parties for his resignation, then set up an Iraq inquiry in private, to alienate himself even more from the voting public. In early 2010, he was publicly rebuked in unprecedented manner for his violent and explosive outbursts during cabinet meetings, in a further erosion of his grip own power. Finally fell to a coalition Conservative-Liberal Democratic government headed by David Cameron when spring elections produced a hung Parliament, ending 13 years of Labor rule, in anticlimactic fashion. Inner: Cerebral, dry and statistics-oriented, with little of the charisma of his predecessor, and a legendary bad temper. Far more into details than big pictures, lessening his leadership effectiveness. Confirmed Americaphile, often vacationing there. Accused of being a control freak, and more into his own personal agenda, than a party loyalist. Obsessed with politics, political animal through and through, with his one good eye on 10 Downing Street from the very beginning of his career. Largely and literally blinded to the feminine and the spiritual, thanks to his much earlier injury. In the wings lifetime of fairly chomping at the bit to be allowed to augment his earlier unsatisfactory prime ministerships with a full-fledged run during a time of equal uncertainty, only to prove himself to be his own worst enemy once again.
Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, Viscount Corvedale of Corvedale (1867-1947) British prime minister. Outer: From Shropshire yeomen stock. Cousin of author Rudyard Kipling (Tom Stoppard), as well as artist Edward Burne-Jones (Cecil Beaton). Only child of an ironmaster and successful industrialist, as well as an MP. Mother was the daughter of a Wesleyan minister. Plain and broad-shouldered, projected the stocky exterior of an old-fashioned iron-master, while looking like a successful farmer. Educated at Harrow, and then Trinity College, Cambridge, where he majored in his/story. Entered the family business, managing his father’s various heavy industries. Married in 1892 to Lucy Risdale, the daughter of a former assay master of the mint. His first son was stillborn, two sons and 4 daughters followed, including one homophile, Oliver. Elected to the House of Commons in 1908 as a Conservative, he held a seat there for most of the next three decades. In 1916, he became parliamentary private secretary to Andrew Bonar Law (Tony Blair), before becoming chancellor of the Exchequer in David Lloyd George’s (Bob Geldof) WW I coalition ministry. A student of economics, which was his field of expertise, he served as financial secretary of the treasury from 1917 to 1921, and president of the Board of Trade. Combined with Bonar Law to repudiate Lloyd George’s government as a thieves’ den in 1922 and became the former’s chancellor of the Exchequer, when he formed a Conservative government. Strongly criticised for his subsequent negotiations with the U.S. around Britain’s war debt, in which he settled for compromised terms. When Bonar Law was forced to resign because of ill health, he was asked by the king to replace him in 1923, although he barely lasted 6 months before being voted out of office for his protective-tariff policy. Returned for a second go at the prime ministry later that year, when the first Labour government failed. Two years later, he was forced to declare a state of emergency when workers declared a General Strike, and refused to negotiate further with them until the strike was called off. Resigned in 1929 over issues of unemployment and economics, and then came back to government two years later in the subsequent coalition government of Ramsay MacDonald, where his policies were met with Liberal resistance. After Hitler’s rise to power in Germany, he was afraid of the consequences of British rearmament, and a foreign policy to meet the threat. Formed his third and final government in 1935, he was forced into reassessing his stand against British rearmament, thanks to Italy’s aggression in Ethopia, and the Spanish Civil War, although did nothing to stop the former. Saw the country’s way through the monarchical crisis in 1936 when the king, Edward VIII renounced his throne for the woman he loved, and abdicated. Five months later, he resigned his post, retired from politics, and accepted an earldom. Suffered from asthma. Spent his retirement years quietly, although received opprobrium for his nonmartial pre-war stance, as an appeaser like his successor Neville Chamberlain. His wife died in 1945, and he became afflicted with arthritis, as well as deaf. Died in his sleep. Inner: Honest, complex, taciturn, sweet-tempered and sensitive. Incapable of sustained effort, and lethargic amidst bursts of energy. Strongly religious, with a tendency to wait on events, rather than shape them. Prayed on his knees with his wife every day, and had great sympathy for the poor. Disliked both foreigners and intellectuals, despite a great love of books. Loved Bach and sang in Church. Cautious lifetime of thrusting himself into the center of power during highly turbulent times, only to prove himself extremely short-sighted, necessitating a second Downing Street run his next go-round to see if he had learned to see both the present and future in far clearer and more decisive manner.
Nicholas Vansittart, 1st Baron Bexley (1766-1851) - English politician. Outer: Of Dutch descent. 5th son of a former governor of Bengal, who returned to England 2 years before his birth, before disappearing aboard a ship when he was 5. Raised in Berkshire, he went to Christ Church, Oxford, before being called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. After writing pamphlets in support of William Pitt’s (J. William Fulbright) policies from a financial perspective, he became an MP in 1796. Went on a diplomatic mission to Denmark, then was made Secretary of the Treasury, holding the post for several years, until 1804, at which point he was made Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1805, thanks to his political connections. In 1806, he married Catherine Eden, the daughter of a baron, only to have her die 4 years later, no children from union. Resigned the post the following year, and returned to the Treasury office through another ministry, before resigning again in 1807, all the while building a reputation for his financial expertise. In 1812, he became Chancellor of the Exchequer, while continuing to win re-election after switching boroughs several times. Thanks to the Napoleonic Wars, the country was under a heavy taxation burden, which he increased, although when peace was finally declared following Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815, he refused to abolish property taxes, until great public resistance forced him to do so. Urged the union of the English and Irish exchequers in 1817, and was forced to borrow to meet the subsequent debt and deficit from England’s martial adventures, before trying to manipulate elements in a complex scheme to address the problem, only to find himself political persona non grata for his efforts. Forced to resign his office in 1822, amidst severe criticisms. Created Baron Bexley the following year and awarded a handsome pension, after being given the chancellorship of a duchy. Resigned the post in 1828, and played very little role in government as a member of the House of Lords. Instead, he turned his attentions towards Bible and missionary societies, while funding Kenyon, a college on the U.S. frontier. His title went extinct after his death. Inner: Strongly religious, social with many friends and honest, with an instinct for power and some financial expertise, and yet not quite enough imagination to deal with the problems thrust upon him, a seemingly continual theme of his. Mild-mannered and an ineffective debater. Overwhelmed lifetime of exhibiting his usual positive traits, as well as his ongoing inability to truly bend events to everybody’s satisfaction, necessitating his return again and again to the same arenas.
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PATHWAY OF THE POLITICIAN AS TORY BIBLIOPHILE:
Storyline: The moderate middle-of-the-roader shows more of a skill at editorship than political infighting, in a dual run marked by modest achievement in the latter realm, and far more skill in the former, as a duty-bound exemplar of the privileged classes’ need to perform public service.
Harold Macmillan, Earl of Stockton and Viscount Macmillan of Ovenden (Maurice Harold Macmillan) (1894-1986) - British prime minister. Outer: Grandson of the co-founder of the publishing house of Macmillan & Co. Mother was an American widow of a painter who had died a decade prior to her second union. Fluent in French, she passed her burning ambitions onto her sons, proving to be the dominant parental figure, over her retiring, distant mate. Youngest of 3 boys of the co-heir to the family firm. Shy and sensitive as a child, he retained his sire’s reserve. Brought up in a strongly religious atmosphere. Won a scholarship to Eton, although pneumonia almost felled him there, turning him into a lifelong hypochondriac. Rumor also had it, he was expelled for sodomy. Later tutored at home to insure his mother’s desire he go to Balliol College, Oxford, where he was serially elected secretary then treasurer of the Oxford Union. 6’, 165 lbs. After recovering from appendicitis, he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, at the outbreak of WW I, in order to assert his independence from his mother. Wounded several times, while showing himself to be quite brave in battle, he was severely injured in 1916 in the pelvis and thigh and lay for a day in shell hole intermittently reading “Prometheus” in the original Greek. Spent the reminder of the war in and out of hospitals, and was probably saved from a lingering death by his mother’s intercession with military procedures. Had no desire to return to Oxford afterwards, because of the loss of so many fellow classmates, nor did he wish to enter the family firm. Through his mother’s influence, he wound up on the staff of the 9th Duke of Devonshire, then the governor-general of Canada. Married one of the latter’s daughters, Dorothy Evelyn Cavendish, in 1920, and joined the family firm. One son and three daughters from the union, although the last one was fathered at the end of the decade by a notorious bisexual Tory. Refused to divorce his wife because of both religious conviction and an abiding love for her. The duo eventually compromised with her remaining a publicly political wife in a celibate union, thanks to his own low libido. Lost his first election bid as a Conservative in 1923, but won the same seat the following annum, to begin a near four decade career in the House of Commons. Remained an active partner in the family firm, and garnered the reputation of being more of an ideas person than an executor of policy. Suffered a nervous breakdown in 1930 following the birth of his wife’s final daughter, but rebounded in 1931 by recapturing the seat he had lost in 1929. Continued in the publishing industry, while focusing on economic interests as a backbencher, showing himself to be a Keynesian, albeit with more of an interventionist sense of capital management. In 1938, he published The Middle Way, which summed up his own centrist political philosophy. During WW II, he served in the wartime coalition government in several posts, including government rep to the Allies in the Mediterranean area, working closely with Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. Lost his seat in the post-war Labor landslide, although soon gained another one. In 1951, he became Minister of Housing in the Conservative government, before being made Minister of Defense in 1954. Served Prime Minister Anthony Eden as Foreign Secretary, then as Chancellor of Exchequer, before succeeding him on his resignation in early 1957. Installed some 35 family members, including 7 cabinet officials in his government, in an act of supreme nepotism, then handily led the Conservatives to Parliamentary victory in 1959. Earned the nickname “Supermac,” for steering Britain through the difficult transition of its post-imperial period, and governed largely by consensus, with a focus on economic issues. Oversaw the independence of several of Britain’s African colonies, exemplified by his famous “winds of change” speech in 1960. Forced to institute a wage freeze, and lost both popularity and the support of his party, necessitating a huge cabinet shake-up in 1962. Maintained solid relations with the U.S., although he failed in making Britain a member of the Common Market. The call-girl scandal of his minister John Profumo tarnished his government, and he was finally brought down by economic failures, compounded by a false diagnosis of inoperable prostate cancer. Resigned in the fall of 1963 and was succeed by his Foreign Secretary, Alex Douglas-Home. Refused a peerage and retired in 1964, to take up the chairmanship of his family’s publishing house. Two years later, his wife died. Wrote his extensive memoirs, a six volume affair, although they were poorly received. Remained a critical public voice for his last two decades, particularly against the privitization policies of Margaret Thatcher, and in 1984, on his 90th birthday, he finally accepted a title. Made Earl of Stockton, choosing the working-class district which first elected him to Parliament and Viscount Macmillan of Ovenden. Died after a brief illness in his 92nd year, the oldest Prime Minister of record up to that time. Inner: Liked to be known as “the Great Commoner,” thanks to a paternalistic view of those beneath him. Embodied a dedication to duty by the privileged. Cerebral and unfailingly unflappable, with a great love for books. Also harbored a strong sense of camaraderie, from his war experiences. Middle way lifetime of using compromise in order to balance an unfulfilling marriage, a dominating mother and a love of letters, with a public life not wholly of his own choosing.
William Wyndham Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville (1759-1834) - English prime minister. Outer: 3rd and youngest son of Prime Minister George Grenville. 6th of 9 children. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, and Lincoln’s Inn. In 1779, he won the chancellor’s prize for Latin verse at Oxford. Entered the House of Commons in 1782, where an older brother already sat, and made his maiden speech the same year on the Irish question. The following year, he was made secretary to his brother, who was then lord-lieutenant of Ireland. Became a close ally of his cousin, William Pitt the Younger (J. William Fulbright), holding office under him, before going on diplomatic missions, and then becoming speaker of the House of Commons. Held several other positions and in 1790, was made a peer as Baron Grenville. In 1792, he married 19 year old Anne Pitt, the daughter of the latter’s nephew, in an affectionate union. Although the pair were childless, his wife proved to be a strong support, and lived into her 9th decade. Served in Pitt’s ministry as Home Secretary, then was quite active in the House of Lords as Baron Grenville, before becoming Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. In the latter office, he oversaw the years of the French Revolution, putting his focus on continental Europe, rather than the American colonies, and was often at variance with the prime minister. Left office in 1801, as did Pitt, over the king’s refusal to deal with Catholic Emancipation. Did not return to office with him in 1804, but rather remained close with opposition leader Charles James Fox (David Lloyd George). Invited to form a government on Pitt’s premature death in 1806, he reached across party lines to do so in a ministry known as “the Ministry of all Talents.” Only held office for a year, although the slave trade in the British colonies was abolished during his tenure. Failed however to deal with Catholic emancipation, or to make peace with France, during the Napoleonic years. Held his father’s poor public image, and with considerable relief, resigned his position, never to hold office again, despite being asked to do so on several occasions. In 1809, he became Chancellor of Oxford, a position he held until his death. Edited Pitt’s letters to his nephew, and wrote several works, showing himself to have a better grasp of literature than political infighting. Continued as an opposition figure aligned with the Whigs. Suffered a stroke in 1823, and spent his last decade in precipitous decline, amusing himself with literary pursuits. On his death, his title went extinct. Inner: Straightforward and industrious, but also cold and unsympathetic, which made him unpopular. Not a good manager, but principled. Avid landscaper and gardener, and a collector of china, prints and pictures. Well-read bibliophile, and a keen student of his/story. Duty-bound lifetime of taking his modest talents in the political realm as far as they would go, while reserving, as always, his true love of learning and letters as his much needed avocation.
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PATHWAY OF THE POLITICIAN AS MAN OF MANY SORROWS:
Storyline: The loss-plagued leader continually loses those closest to him, while also forfeiting positions of high office, in his ongoing need to temper his internal distemper with unhinged and unhappy intimates, as well as ongoing misreadings of the tides of his/story.
Robert Anthony Eden, 1st Earl of Avon (1897-1977) - British prime minister. Outer: From a very conservative landowning family. Father was a wealthy aristocrat, while his mother was deranged, and ultimately squandered away the family estate. His sire was also given to to violent outbursts of temper, which terrified his children. The 3rd of 4 sons, and 4th of 5 children. Two brothers, the eldest and youngest, to whom he was extremely close, were killed during WW I, while he became a teenaged officer in the trenches, and at 21, the youngest brigade-major in the British army. Made no impression on Eton, and did not remember his schooldays fondly. After being educated in oriental languages at Christ Church, Oxford, he wound up fluent in French, German and Persian, and also spoke Russian and Arabic. Handsome, slim, impeccable and dignified, and something of a fashion plate, ultimately introducing the black homburg, which became known as an Anthony Eden. Lost his first election, then in 1923, he became a Conservative MP. The same year, he unhappily married Beatrice Beckett, the daughter of a banker. Three sons from the union, with one dying shortly after birth. Subsequently used work as an antidote to both his wife and his mother, as his career put great strains on his marriage. Held several posts during the 1920s, then had his first ministerial position in 1931 as Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Supported the League of Nations in his desire for peace, and saw quite clearly that fascist Italy and Nazi Germany would rile up the continent once again. Made Foreign Secretary in 1935, he initially supported a hand’s-off policy with Europe’s various volatile governments, but resigned in 1938 because of the appeasement course of England with Italy. Subsequently seen as cowardly by his fellow politicians for refusing to vote on the government’s appeasement policy with Germany, although remained a popular political figure in the country-at-large. Briefly re-enlisted in the army around the outbreak of WW II, before rejoining the government. Became Secretary of State for War, then wartime Foreign Secretary under the overshadowing presence of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who conducted most of Britain’s high profile negotiations himself, while using his loyal lieutenant’s expertise in foreign affairs in order to do so. In 1942, he was made leader of the House of Commons, and also served as a liaison with the troublesome French exile leader Charles de Gaulle, during the latter stages of the war. Following Labor’s victory after WW II, he became Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party, while remaining loyal to Churchill, who many felt should have retied. Lost his eldest son in the final days of the war, which devastated him, while his unhappy marriage finally unraveled. When Churchill was re-instituted as Prime Minister in 1951, he became Foreign Minister for a third time, although for the first time, actually had control over foreign policy, thanks to the figurehead status of the former. Ably dealt with Britain’s reduced role in the postwar world, while officially divorcing his wife in 1950 on grounds of desertion. Two years later he happily married Churchill’s niece, Clarissa Spencer-Churchill, who was over two decades his junior. The following annum, he underwent gall bladder surgery, but suffered a bile duct injury, and never fully recovered from it, which would undermine the last part of his career. The complications would be symbolic of the bile, gall and anger he had long held within. When Churchill finally retired in 1955, he succeeded him as Prime Minister, focusing on his arena of expertise, foreign policy, while leaving domestic issues to his lieutenants. Called a snap election immediately after his instatement and won, increasing his majority, although showed himself remarkably naive around the press, suffering unduly from its slings and arrows. Forced to resign over illness precipitated by his own failures in the Suez Crisis of 1956, which heralded Britain’s final fall as a colonial power. Stepping down in early 1957, he was succeeded by Harold Macmillan, while his brief tenure was subsequently viewed as one of the low points of Britain’s 20th century. In 1961, he was made Earl of Avon. Wrote three volumes of reminiscences, including his well-acclaimed Another World, in 1976. The following year he was taken ill while visiting America, and was flown home, where he died of liver cancer. Inner: Charming, fashionable, and the very picture of the suave, handsome diplomat. Ill-tempered like his father, despite his long diplomatic career, thanks to both his mother and his first wife, and his ongoing difficulties with thoroughly integrating the feminine within. Many-tongued lifetime of dealing with private unhappiness through public service, only to continue his loss-laden ways, in his ongoing struggles to find a happy medium between the various spheres of his existence.
George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784-1860) - Scottish/English prime minister. Outer: From an old adventurous Scottish family. Eldest son of a Scottish lord, who died when he was 7, while his mother passed on four years later. Had two prime ministers as guardians, and was educated at Harrow and St. John’s College, Cambridge, graduating in 1804. Succeeded to the family title in 1801, on his grandfather’s death, and also traveled all over Europe prior to his matriculation. Founded the Athenian Society on his return to Scotland, after excavating reliefs in Athens. Appalled at the lives of his countrymen on his return, after his elevating travels, and the life he had come to know in the south of England. In 1805, he married Catherine Elizabeth Hamilton, although after 7 years, his wife died, and he wore mourning for her the rest of his life. One son and three daughters from the union, all of whom predeceased him. Extremely close with his daughters, none of whom reached 20, in yet another heartbreaking series of losses for himself. Married the widow of his wife’s brother in 1815, in an attempt at resuscitating her, although failed to do so in an unsatisfactory union for both of them, and she, too, died young, at the age of 41. Once described her as “certainly one of the most stupid persons I ever met with.” 4 sons and a daughter from the second union, while his second mate proved extremely jealousy of her three stepdaughters, while they briefly lived. Took his seat in the House of Lords as a representative Tory peer the same year he first married. Following his wife’s demise, he joined the Foreign Service, and helped negotiate some of the treaties at the end and nearend of the Napoleonic wars. On his return home, he was made a peer of the United Kingdom, as Viscount Gordon, although he maintained a far lower public profile over the next 13 years. Became Foreign Secretary in the ministry of the Duke of Wellington in 1829, but resigned 3 years later in a dispute with the latter over reform. Held the same post with Robert Peel (Tony Blair) from 1841 to 1846, settling two disagreements with the U.S., before resigning along with Peel over the controversial Corn Laws. With the death of the latter in 1850, he was the acknowledged leader of the Conservatives, and in 1852, he became prime minister, but his indecision in office over the Crimean War, and his inability to stand up to the overshadowing figure of Henry Palmerston (Maxwell Beaverbrook), precipitated his downfall, and he resigned in 1855. Lived like a Scottish magnate afterwards, with his children addressing him as “His Lordship.” Occasionally took part in debates in the House of Lords after his resignation, speaking for the last time 2 years before his death. Inner: Scholarly, spare, grave, reserved and highly moral and formal. A dull speaker, despite his obvious superior intelligence. Cold, but a good companion to those who knew him well. An amateur botanist and agriculturalist, with a longtime fascination for classical antiquities. Loss-laden lifetime of suffering much personal dispossession, with parents, beloved wife, four of his children and his ultimate position all denied him, within the context of his ongoing fascination with, but inability to handle, great power.
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PATHWAY OF THE POLITICIAN AS SELF-REMADE MAN:
Storyline: The crypto-aristo rises from a humble station to reclaim the high office that he had earlier thrice held, while stripping himself of his earlier superficialities, to become a far stiffer and more focused, albeit less effective, version of himself.
Edward Heath (1916-2005) - British politician. Outer: From a working-class background. Father was a carpenter, who became a master-builder, and a successful small businessman. Mother was a maid. One younger brother. Known as ‘Ted’ or ‘Teddy’ when he was younger. From his teens onward, he conducted Christmas carol concerts in Kent, until the near end of his life. Did not attend Britain’s prestigious public schools, but won a county scholarship, which enabled him to study at Balliol College, Oxford. A talented organist, he won the school’s organ scholarship, and eventually graduated in 1939 with secondary majors in philosophy, politics and economics. Deliberately Oxfordized his accent, making for a strange amalgam of his native Kentish with faux upper class speech patterns, although his vowels would always betray his true origins. Reshaped his sense of style and culture as well, in a deliberate attempt at totally remaking himself into an emblem of furled umbrella Tory conservatism. Despite an awkward sense of sociality, he was elected President of the school’s Conservative Assoc., then became Secretary and finally Librarian of the Oxford Union. Held other college offices as well, while showing himself to be a maverick in his support and criticism of a variety of governmental policies, including his naysaying to its appeasement of Adolf Hitler’s obvious continental ambitions. Won a scholarship to Gray’s Inn, in preparation for a career in the law, but WW II changed his plans. Traveled widely in Europe during his undergraduate days, getting a firsthand look at Nazism, which appalled him, and was on a debating tour of the U.S., when WW II broke out. Commissioned in the Royal Artillery, he ultimately rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and then remained active in the reserves into the 1950s. Became a civil servant in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, but resigned in 1947, to focus on a political career. After serving as an editor and a banker, he was elected to Parliament in 1950 by a scant 133 votes. Made Opposition Whip the following year, he ultimately became Chief party Whip under Anthony Eden in 1955. Helped secure the premiership for Harold Macmillan after Eden’s resignation in 1957, and later served as his Minister of Labor, following the Conservative’s success in the elections of 1959. Made Lord Privy Seal the following annum, although failed to gain England a place in the continent’s Common Market, which ultimately cost him the party leadership on Macmillan’s retirement in 1963. Held several positions under the latter’s successor, Alex Douglas-Home, and after his party’s losses in the 1964 elections, he emerged as its leader in 1965, holding that position for a decade, while serving as a distinct anomaly from the aristocrats who had formally led them. An active yachtsman, he bought his first yacht in 1969, and won a race in that year, before captaining Britain’s winning Admiral Cup team in 1971. Gained the Prime Ministership in 1970, in an upset, but failed to convincingly fill his office, thanks to all the problems of the time. Took on the militant trade unions to ill effect, and did little to curtail welfare spending. Noticeably ill-at-ease in crowds and bone dry in manner, he did little to impress the press, as well. Northern Ireland proved a bloody blot on his record, with the Troubles there at a violent zenith, although he was able to gain entrance for Britain into the Common Market. Installed a grand piano at 10 Downing Street, and was a great supporter of the performing arts, proving far more effective as a cultural maven than a political leader. Also served as a conductor for a variety of European orchestras throughout his career. Resigned in 1974, and a minority Labor government headed by Harold Wilson succeeded him. The following year, he lost his position as head of the highly vulnerable Conservative Party to Margaret Thatcher, although he continued to remain active in politics, particularly international venues. Wrote books on sailing, music and travels, as well as an autobiography, The Course of My Life, which took 14 years and was published in 1998, although allegedly did not pay many of his ghostwriters. A lifelong bachelor, with no known partners, his sexuality eventually became a subject of much speculation, although he was probably just asexual. Had originally been intended for a childhood friend, who eventually got tired of waiting for him and married another in the early 1950s. Continued to serve as a backbencher, until his final retirement from politics in 2001. Suffered a pulmonary embolism in 2003 in Austria, and never fully recovered from it, spending his last two years in deep decline. Died of pneumonia, and left an estate worth some £5 million. Inner: Shrewd, albeit decidedly uncharismatic, and always distant, with an inability for intimate friendship. A good administrator, and very conscious of class distinctions, expertly remaking himself into a sleek, immaculately tailored and slightly haughty, self-contained version of who he wished to be. Also remained conscious of his roots, and unembarrassed by them. Self-made lifetime of subordinating everything to his career, while keeping his passions under check in order to try to re-harness his powers more effectively from a far humbler base.
Edward Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley) (1799-1869) - British prime minister. Outer: From a family of wealthy Whig land-owning magnates, who dated back to Tudor times. His father was the 13th earl, while his mother was the daughter of a reverend, and the two were loosely related as cousins. Eldest of 7 children. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, although he did not take his degree, preferring to travel instead to Canada and the United States. During his stay at university, he won the Latin verse prize for his poem, “Syracuse.” Handsome with aquiline features and stylish, although largely a creature of surfaces, who well understood the power of making a good impression. Entered Parliament as a constitutional Whig in 1822, and 2 years later made his maiden speech, showing himself to be a deft orator. In 1825, he married Emma Caroline Bootle-Wilbraham, the daughter of a baron, two sons and a daughter from the union. Held minor offices, and when the Whigs returned to power in 1830, he became Chief Secretary for Ireland, where he championed education, before joining Lord Grey’s cabinet the following year. Lost an election, but was soon reinstated, when a vacancy was created elsewhere for him. In 1833, he was made Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, where he promoted emancipation for all slaves in the British colonies, which passed the following year, although he resigned his post soon afterwards, and formed his own group, dubbed the Derby Dilly, which tried to chart a middle course between the radicalism of the Whig Prime Minister and Tory conservatism, although they were co-opted by Robert Peel’s (Tony Blair) turn toward the center, and they gradually merged with his Conservative Party. Officially became a Conservative in 1837, and served as Colonial Secretary for Peel’s 2nd government in 1841. Broke with Peel over the repeal of the controversial Corn Laws, and managed to gain control of the party with the move. An inveterate gambler, with a stable of racehorses, he was also an enthusiastic whist and billiards player, as well as an all-around sportsman, and member in good standing of the Jockey Club. In 1851, he succeeded to his father’s title, becoming the 14th Earl of Derby. The following year he formed the first of his three governments, a minority affair, following the collapse of the Whigs, although was forced to appoint many new men to office, in what would become known as the “Who? Who? Ministry,” following the Duke of Wellington’s loud questioning of each new man named, including a young Benjamin Disraeli (Aldous Huxley), who was erroneously long thought to be the core player behind each of his governments. An isolationist at heart, he was unable to gain a parliamentary majority, and his ministry soon collapsed. Formed his second minority government in 1858, which lasted only a year, although it brought India under direct control of Britain following the termination of the British East India Company’s rule there. Formed his third and final ministry in 1866, which expanded British suffrage, although he was forced to retire in 1868, because of ill health and handed over the reigns of government to Disraeli. A highly effective orator, although he disliked the routines of office, which curtailed his leadership abilities. Nevertheless, his 22 years at the helm of the Conservative Party would prove a record, and he is looked on as the progenitor of its modern incarnation. Despite serving on three different occasions as Prime Minister, he disliked the routines of office. Became stouter and sloppier with age, and died soon after his final ministry. His last words were reportedly, that he was “bored to utter extinction.” Inner: Highly competitive, and to the manner born, a figure of both his class and age. Aloof behind his facile surface, save for his close equals. Also occasionally boisterous and undignified. Had a beautiful tenor voice, although not much of an interest in music. Good scholar and passionate sportsman. Had no settled convictions, and often changed loyalties. Haut aristocratic lifetime of easy access to power, before returning in far humbler and drier form in order to try to remake himself on his own into the powerhouse he has always wished to be.
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