Charles James Fox by Henry Offley Wakeman is a comprehensive and enlightening biography of one of Britain's most influential and controversial politicians. Wakeman skillfully examines Fox's life, from his privileged upbringing and early political career to his rise as a champion of liberty and opponent of tyranny.

The author provides a well-rounded portrait of Fox, highlighting his passion for social reform, his eloquence in parliamentary debates, and his complex personal relationships. Wakeman also delves into Fox's turbulent political career, detailing his conflicts with the monarchy, his support for the French Revolution, and his shifting alliances with other political figures.

While Wakeman's prose can be a bit dry at times, his meticulous research and nuanced analysis make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of British politics. Overall, Charles James Fox is a compelling biography that sheds light on the life and legacy of a fascinating historical figure.

Book Description:
Charles James Fox was a prominent British Whig member of Parliament and the arch-rival of William Pitt the Younger. A staunch opponent of George III, he supported the American colonists throughout the War of Independence. He was a leading parliamentary advocate of religious tolerance, individual liberty, and the anti-slavery cause. A notorious gambler and womanizer, Fox fell in love with and married Elizabeth Armistead, the former mistress of the Prince of Wales, and found happiness and tranquility in their home, St. Anne's Hill. He was most famous for his oratory, of which Wakeman writes that in "the whole range of Fox's speeches there is not to be found a mean thought or an affectation...The very openness and complete absence of reserve, with which he poured out his whole heart to his audience took them by storm."