Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honourable Richard Brinsley Sheridan: Volume 2 Cambridge Library Collection - Literary Studies Series

Best known for The Rivals and The School for Scandal, Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751?1816) was already a celebrated comic playwright when he entered Parliament in 1780. Turning his wit and talent as a writer to political oratory, he won acclaim for his speeches in the House of Commons. As an independent-minded Whig, he had to reconcile his distrust of monarchical power with his role as friend and confidant to the future George IV. Sheridan's was ultimately a turbulent life, rocked by affairs, heavy drinking and constant debt. This successful and influential two-volume biography, first published in 1825, was written by the poet Thomas Moore (1779?1852), who went on to chart the life of Lord Byron. Volume 2 covers Sheridan's political career, his speeches in Parliament and his final years, closing with reflections on his life.

12. Death of Mr Sheridan's father; 13. Illness of the king; 14. French revolution; 15. Death of Mrs Sheridan; 16. Drury Lane theatre; 17. Speech in answer to Lord Mornington; 18. Play of The Stranger; 19. State of parties; 20. Destruction of the theatre of Drury Lane by fire; 21. Affairs of the new theatre.