That Devil Wilkes (Penguin Classic Biography S.) - Softcover

Postgate, Raymond

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141390441 ISBN 13: 9780141390444

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2001

Synopsis

John Wilkes (1727-97) was a radical Whig politician who was supported in his early years by great Whig oligarchs. He opposed the treaty of Paris passionately and attacked King George III and his Prime Minister, the Earl of Bute, in his magazine 'TheNorth Briton'. Following his attack on the ministry in 'North Briton 45' a General Warrant was issued against Wilkes and he was expelled from the House of Commons. Wilkes defended the American colonists and, by denouncing the abuse of priviledge by the House of Commons, invigorated popular radicalism. He became Lord Mayor of London, suppressed the Gordon riots and opposed the French Revolution.

About this title

Synopsis:

Reviled as a traitor, a rake, a libertine and a prankster, John Wilkes must be one of the most colourful characters ever to have sat in the House of Commons. A fierce defender of individual liberties and the freedom of the press, Wilkes's persistent attacks on King George III (who called him "that devil Wilkes") and the abuse of parliamentary privileges did much to invigorate popular radicalism in his day. He supported the American colonists, was refused entry to Parliament on three occasions, and when his newspaper the "North Briton" attacked the King's ministers, a General Warrant was issued for his arrest and Wilkes was forced to flee to Paris. His personal life was even more extraordinary. Notoriously ugly, he was confident of his ability to charm any woman. A member of the infamous Hellfire Club and a wit who crossed swords with Dr Johnson, his "Essay on Women", a satire on Pope, was proclaimed libellous. Although in later life he became more conservative - he opposed the French Revolution - Wilkes always championed the concepts of freedom and democracy. Raymond Postgate's biography brings his complex and sometimes contradictory character vividly to life.

About the Author:

Raymond Postgate was a classical scholar, a socialist and a prolific author. He founded the Good Food Guide in 1951.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0141390441
• ISBN 13: 9780141390444
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256