William Pitt the Younger

William Pitt the Younger is usually characterised as a reforming peace-time Prime Minister after the American War of Independence, or as inexpert leader of the nation during the first phase of the wars between Britain and France. This volume by Eric J. Evans, includes a complete historical background to the leader's political career and analyses his achievements. The author outlines Pitt's economic, domestic and foreign policy as well as detailing the changes in party politics and monarchy during the period. Re-evaluating the career of this much-studied Prime Minister in the light of recent research, he makes the controversial statement that Pitt's life does not fit into the two neat stereotypes of reformer or reactionary that are usually presented.