Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is an absolute revelation. I’ve been glued over a couple of days as it reads more like an adventure story. James Hobson, whose research appears to be extensive and meticulous, has presented a lively and vibrant picture of Georgian England as witnessed by one man, Edward Law. I’d never heard of him, but it turns out he was a real mover and shaker of the time. He was at the centre of high society, not well liked but influencing in various ways the major institutions; church, law, schools and the royal family. He was an extraordinary and exceptional individual and Hobson’s biography gives real insight into the Georgian world. It was one of accepted order; the wealthy and royals ruled and the poor should know and be kept in their place. But change was afoot and the peasants were revolting.

This is one of the best books I’ve read about the Georgian period. Law’s beginnings were relatively humble and his early years are fascinating. His grandfather was at the bottom of the social ladder, a curate and teacher in Cumberland. Hobson charts the social climb well and it was remarkable. Without doubt, Law was not a likeable individual. Opinionated, arrogant, cruel and more. But this didn’t stop him and I feel the depiction presented is honest and without prejudice or judgement. I’m not keen on revisionist and sanitised history, The past, warts and all, is the past and we should view it as it was and if we don’t like certain aspects, learn from it and move on. Too many accounts wash over the more unsavoury aspects and with a significant move to a woke and PC society, we’re losing important bits of history to spare sensitivities. It’s wrong and I’m delighted to say Hobson doesn’t fall into this trap.

Following the text is an extensive index and resource references. Best of all is a series of plates depicting places, people and events covered by the narrative. Most were new to me and along with the story of this man’s life, I feel I have a real sense of the social divisions and differences and the power of the Establishment at that time. I’m left with a sense that in many ways, little has changed. Brilliant book and now I’m looking for more from this author.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas