William Hague (1) (1961–)

The youngest man to ever hold the position of what is called today Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, came to power as result of the political turmoil following the loss in America and died in office facing off against the greatest general to stride across Europe. William Hague’s William Pitt the Younger is the definitive biography of one of the most important men to lead Britain.

Hague’s detailed recounting of the younger Pitt’s life and times gives the reader an understanding not only of the man but the political dynamics of late 18th-Century Britain. While Pitt’s quick rise to power and the extraordinary crisis he had to manage—the Regency debate, the various wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France, etc.—are handled in a well written narrative style of twists and turns, Hague’s analysis of Pitt as a person is where this biography goes from great to excellent. The most important personal issue addressed about the lifelong bachelor was his sexuality, it was something Hague did not handle flippantly but analyzed over some pages drawing on all facets of Pitt’s life to give his conclusion.

William Pitt the Younger gives a full account of the life of Britain’s youngest Prime Minister and the times he lived in that influenced his time in office. William Hague’s biographical and historical narratives are written lively keeping the reader’s attention throughout.… (altro)

Helpful and sympathetic treatment, Hague honestly reports his religion without feeling he has to sneer. Good outline of environment they lived in. Wilberforce clearly a charming man with great conversational gifts. Got on well with his enemies and didn't get vindictive. This sometimes helped greatly. Rich but open handed. Not al all radical, very supportive of order and the status quo, except in particular areas. Believer that the rich should share their wealth, no need then for revolution. Also goes on at length about 'Providence' something that I think modern Christians have given up on. It took an agonisingly long time to get the trade abandoned, funny to read of his prolonged holidays in Bath whilst it was all going on.
1819 in real trouble with British radicals who say he cares more for black slaves than wage slaves. His problem with radicals was that their solution was divorced from Xnty. Radicals would "exclude religion from life, and substitute knowledge in its stead"!! The people need education in Xn principles. His views assumed the reign of Christendom, which no longer exists.… (altro)

An absolutely superb biography of William Pitt the Younger by William Hague, a man who at the age of twenty-two was Chancellor of the Exchequer and by the age of 24 was Prime Minister for 18 of the next 22 years until his death, caused by a combination of over-work and over-drinking. A tumultuous time in British history with the madness of King George III and the subsequent regency crisis, and the French Revolution leading to the Napoleanoic wars. Hague is always sympathetic to this cold, aloof, very talented character who's singled mindnesses we would probably think as autistic in modern times. A man who had no romantic ties but devoted his life to service to the country. A great read.… (altro)

A very thorough biography of a British statesman who left a mark on British politics. William Pitt the Younger followed in the footsteps of his father (William Pitt the Elder) and did so a young age, being only 21 when he became a Member of Parliament. Within a few short years he was the principle figure in the government, a position he would hold (with only a few brief exceptions) until his death in 1806. He formed a working relationship with King George III, pursued a number of reforms (some more successful than others), and was at the helm of navigating Britain through the early years of the Napoleonic Wars. This man lived an interesting and influence life and this biography does a good job telling the story of his life and placing it in the context it deserves.… (altro)