Editor of The Economist from 1861 until his death, Walter Bagehot (1826–77) wrote across an array of subjects, from banking to literature. In this classic 1867 publication, he sought to describe the 'living reality' of how Britain was governed, making a notable distinction between 'dignified' and 'e...

Editor of The Economist from 1861 until his death, Walter Bagehot (1826–77) wrote across an array of subjects, from banking to literature. In this classic 1867 publication, he sought to describe the 'living reality' of how Britain was governed, making a notable distinction between 'dignified' and 'efficient' constitutional components.