Pitt the Elder

British Lives

by Jeremy Black

This book offers a readable yet scholarly account of the life of one of the greatest statesmen of empire, William Pitt the Elder, First Earl of Chatham (1708-78). Chatham is seen as a political outsider who rose to direct British policy in the Seven Years War, the crucial struggle that gave Canada to Britain. A critic of domestic corruption, he was subsequently a champion of American liberties. Chatham's achievement was all the more remarkable for a politician who was dogged for much of his life by poor physical health and considerable mental stress. His position as an outsider was crucial: it helped make his reputation, and to make him an unsettling figure. It also caused problems when he gained office, but it ensured Chatham was and seemed, 'different'. He was a man with whom the national interest could be associated, not simply because he made the claim himself, but also because he seemed apart from the world of court and connection.

Genres: 18th Century, History

340 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 1992

About the author

Jeremy Black is an English historian, who was formerly a professor of history at the University of Exeter. He is a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of America and the West at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
Black is the author of over 180 books, principally but not exclusively on 18th-century British politics and international relations, and has been described by one commentator as "the most prolific historical scholar of our age". He has published on military and political history, including Warfare in the Western World, 1882–1975 (2001) and The World in the Twentieth Century (2002).

Reviews

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography of a controversial, compelling and difficult historical figure. Black captures Pitt’s dynamic vision and energy, as well as the many problems and successes his own temperament created. Black demonstrates an easy command of the subject matter, and the book is very readable, covering all of Pitt’s well-known aspects as well as more obscure ones.

Black shows how Pitt evolved as a statesman, and does a great job putting British politics into the context of the international situation at the time. Of course, the Seven Years’ War makes up a good portion of the narrative. Earlier works have argued that Pitt’s vision, grasp of strategy, domination of the government, and selection of military commanders played a vital role in Britain’s victory, although more recent works have disputed this; Black is no exception. As Black points out, many of these commanders weren’t even appointed by Pitt. While Pitt’s popular image is that of the “architect of victory,” Black adds many qualifiers to this image.

Black does a great job covering all of the financial, political, and logistical issues of the British war effort. However, Black does not really discuss Pitt’s real impact, or explain his widespread popularity. Although Pitt did dominate the cabinet, Black argues that his role in formulating policy was minimal. Pitt was basically the ministry’s figurehead and utilized his popularity while Newcastle used his shadier skills behind the scenes. Black also describes Pitt’s political inconsistency after the war and how it destabilized the domestic situation in Britain at the time. At one point, Black suggests that Pitt contracted venereal disease, although he provides no evidence to support this.

An interesting and judicious biography, written in a heavy academic tone, but enjoyable and readable nevertheless.

[Julaine]

Tried to sell Sep 30/99

[Steve Larter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty difficult to find a decent biography of William Pitt and I finally managed to locate this one. It was ok, but there are a lot of gaps and omissions.