H.C.G. Matthew's edition of Gladstone's diaries, correspondence and papers culminates in this volume which contains indexes to the entire edition. The "Index of Persons", "Subject Index", and "Index of Gladstone's Reading" form a reference tool and ancillary volume to the main work. a monumental achievement, for which congratulations are in order to the editorial body led by Lord Blake and to the staff of the Clarendon Press as well as to Professor Matthew's devoted assiduity ... There are many felicities and excellences in Professor Matthew's reading of Gladstone ... what remains truly invaluable in the diaries are the very occasional flashes of illumination in which Gladstone reveals the deepest inwardness of himself.