My interest in the life and work of Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, fourth Earl of Carnarvon, arose from a visit to Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the family home, in 1978, when I had the opportunity to discuss with Henry George Reginald Molyneux Herbert, the seventh Earl, aspects of his great-great-grandfather's political and literary career. It was largely due to his subsequent interest and encouragement that the present work was undertaken, and I wish to record my grateful thanks to him. Following his untimely death in 2001, I have much appreciated the generous access to the family papers at Highclere given by his son, Geordie, the eighth Earl.