William Pitt the Younger is usually characterized as a reforming peace-time prime minister after the American War of Independence, or an 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 analyzes 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.
