Book description
The award-winning biography of William Pitt the Younger by William
Hague, the youngest leader of the Tory Party since Pitt himself.
William Pitt the Younger was one of the most extraordinary figures in
British history. Prime minister at the age of twenty-four, he went on to
dominate British politics for two decades, presiding over such complex
and treacherous national crises as the madness of King George III, the
beleaguered union with Ireland, the fallout from the French Revolution
and the trauma of the Napoleonic Wars.
With the keen eye of an experienced politician, William Hague examines
the enigmatic life and tumultuous times of a man capable of both wit and
arrogance, economic genius and financial mismanagement. A rich cast of
characters and a vivid backdrop of global conflict make this riveting
biography of Pitt the Younger compulsive reading. 'A shrewd political
biography and a sensitive portrait of one of our most enigmatic heroes.'
Simon Sebag Montefiore
'One of the most enjoyable biographies for years…if you buy only one
political biography this year, make it the one.' John Major
'A first-class work of history; informative, well written and
captivating.' The Times
'What makes the book such an engrossing and stimulating read is the
author's passion for and understanding of politics.' Sunday Times
'A weighty and scholarly biography…the empathy, indeed the
identification of subject with author, is remarkable. Hague deserves an
accolade…he has written a serious, detailed and thoughtful study of one
of Britain's greatest prime ministers.' Shirley Williams, Guardian
'Truly fine…The need for a distinguished, readable, single-volume work
has long been recognised. William Hague has now triumphantly filled this
gap.' Scotsman
'Narrated with a finely attuned sense of the politically dramatic.'
Andrew Roberts, Evening Standard
'A reliable and readable account of an unusual politician and a tragic
life.' Spectator
'A fascinating account.' Christopher Foyle, Mail on Sunday William
Hague has served as Secretary of State, Leader of the Opposition, Shadow
Foreign Secretary, Secretary of State for Wales and Minister for
Disabled People. He has been MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, since 1989, and
he lives in his constituency with his wife, Ffion. His biography of
William Pitt the Younger was named History Book of the Year at the
British Book Awards. He is also the author of 'William Wilberforce', the
acclaimed biography of the anti-slave trade campaigner.
