This biography investigates the political career and personal character of Charles, second Earl Grey, to determine his role in navigating Britain through the volatile period of the early 19th century. E. A. Smith, a noted historian, utilizes a wide array of primary sources, including previously unpublished documents, to construct a comprehensive portrait of the Whig leader. The work argues that Grey was the primary architect of the Great Reform Act of 1832, positioning him as a stabilizing force during an era of significant social and political upheaval.

Historians recognize this work as the definitive modern account of Earl Grey's life and political contributions. Scholars frequently cite the text for its meticulous research and balanced assessment of Grey's impact on British institutional continuity.