Lord North

Originally published in 1938, this is a book on the life of Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford (1732-1792), otherwise known by his courtesy title, Lord North.


Lord North was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770-1782 and led Great Britain through most of the American War of Independence. He also held a number of other cabinet posts, including Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer.


North's reputation among historians has swung back and forth. In the late nineteenth century he was depicted as a creature of the king and an incompetent who lost the American colonies, but in the early twentieth century a revisionism emphasized his strengths in administering the Treasury, handling the House of Commons, and in defending the Church of England.


With this book, author W. Baring Pemberton affirms his support for Lord North's later reputation, aiming—as he himself professes—to show that "while North was not a great statesman, he is deserving of revaluation."


A fascinating look at the formerly ill-reputed "Prime Minister who lost America."