A Victorian Biography in Popular Format

# Museum Catalog Note

This German-language biographical work presents a life of Charles James Fox, British Member of Parliament and Secretary of State, encompassing his political, literary, and private affairs. The text traces the Fox family's origins from Wiltshire, documenting their rise through service to the Stuart monarchy and subsequent prominence under Charles II. It details Sir Stephen Fox's advancement to Paymaster-General and his philanthropic undertakings, including founding Chelsea Hospital. The narrative follows his son Henry Fox, Lord Holland—described by Horne-Tooke as a brilliant parliamentary speaker who accumulated vast wealth as Paymaster of the Forces, yet faced accusations of misappropriating public funds. Finally, it introduces Charles James Fox (born 1749), third son of Lord Holland, portrayed as an exceptionally precocious intellect deliberately educated by his father for Parliament. The work emphasizes Fox's extraordinary early development alongside rival statesman William Pitt's similarly young son, noting their families' political enmity extended to the next generation.