Lord Liverpool's government from 1812 to 1827 has a double interest for political historians. On the one hand it was the last of the eighteenth century-type administrations, relying on crown confidence, patronage, its own efficiency and prestige, and the absence of an effective alternative set of ministers for its continuance in office. On the other, it faced a remarkable series of national problems: the last phase of the struggle against Napoleon, the economic and social aftermath of the most expensive war the country had ever fought, much political and social disorder, and the first serious impact on government policy of the early industrial revolution. By its close it had laid the foundations for the economic and financial policy on which the early-Victorian state was built up. Nevertheless, crucial as the period war, neither the administration nor the personality of its leader has received adequate attention.Dr. Cookson's study provides a wealth of new detail, much of it drawn from hitherto unused manuscripts. It makes a major advance in historical knowledge, both on broad issues and on details of personal political manoeuvre. In Particular Dr. Cookson focuses on the Cabinet in the belief that the early nineteenth century marked the heyday of ministerial power.