Pitt the Younger

Description

William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806) was the youngest ever Prime Minister, and the second longest-serving one. Dominant in British politics for over twenty years, at a critical time in the history of Britain, Europe and the world, he presided over the reforms that set up modern government in Britain (including the introduction of income tax). He also orchestrated Britain's response in the early stages of the war against the French Revolution and Napoleon, living to see British command of the sea established for over a hundred years at the battle of Trafalgar. Pitt the Younger is the story of an extraordinary career. The son of Britain's war leader in the Seven Years War, William Pitt the Younger was a born politician who dedicated his life to the exercise of power. His superb oratory, personal probity and deep understanding of politics enabled him to overcome a lack of bonhomie and a chaotic private life. Michael Turner shows what Pitt achieved and how he achieved it, providing a clear and readable assessment of Pitt's career.

MICHAEL J. TURNER is the author of British Politics in the Age of Reform. He is Reader in History at the University of Sunderland.

'Beautifully produced and lucidly written' The Sunday Times