William Pitt the Younger

William Pitt the Younger. William Hague. HarperCollins. [pounds sterling]25.00. xxv + 652 pages. ISBN 0-00-714719-8. Pitt's place in history is based on his war against revolutionary France, his reform of government finances and his role in the creation of what became the Conservative party. Whilst John Ehrman's three-volume study of Pitt remains the most thorough, if sometimes exhausting account, there is a place for a one-volume biography.

Whilst one is sometimes wary of politicians who become historians and biographers in this case the worry is misplaced. Mr Hague has produced a well-researched and extremely well-written biography. He claims, with foundation, that Pitt was 'arguably the first modern Prime Minister'. The analysis of Pitt's character--and his overriding love of country--is well handled. The economic reforms, war policies, strengths and weaknesses are clearly analysed. Pitt had in Mr Hague's telling phrase, a preference for 'redesign rather than revolution'. This is a good biography. (J.M.)

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