A History of the Four Georges and of William IV, Volume IV

This volume opens with a striking portrait of a king whose ascent was clouded by sudden illness, whispered scandals, and even a daring plot that seemed more at home in later revolutionary Europe than in early‑19th‑century Britain. The author shows how George IV, already notorious for a lavish lifestyle, faced unprecedented anxieties as his very survival appeared to hang in the balance, prompting the nation to brace for a possible crisis before the coronation was even complete. By weaving personal drama with the broader political climate, the narrative sets the stage for a reign marked by both upheaval and unexpected resilience.

Beyond the opening, the book moves through a series of vivid episodes—popular alarms, royal excursions, the rise of reform movements, the emancipation of labour, and the contested role of the state church in Ireland. Each chapter offers concise, well‑sourced storytelling that brings the era’s debates and personalities to life, while keeping the focus on the early challenges that shaped the final years of the Georgian age. Listeners will gain a clear sense of how these formative events paved the way for the transition into a new era.