This is the first full-length biography of the man who, through a combination of industry and intellect, became one of the central figures in British politics from 1782 to 1817. Based on an extensive range of manuscript sources, the book follows Lord Grenville's stunning personal and political career as he rose in trun from Irish Secretary to Speaker of the House of Commons, Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Prime Minister and finally, Opposition leader from 1807until his retirement from party politics in 1817.