This biography places George IV within the context of his time, incorporating details of topics such as Britain's political system, diplomacy, industry and agriculture. George was both a womanizer and a patron of the arts; his scandalous liaisons- from involvements with prostitutes to the dissolved marriage to Mrs Maria Fitzherbert - were the talk of the nation. The scandal culminated with his continuing feud with his wife, Queen Caroline, whom he deserted after just three nights and whom he attempted to have charged with adultery in the high court. The other side of his dissolute nature is that he was one of the most cultured monarchs ever to sit on the British throne, and did much to encourage the Royal Academy, to whom he donated works of art. The book analyzes this apparent disparity by dissecting George's unhappy relationship with his parents, and argues that his debauched life-style was a reaction to their ascetic example. It also draws comparisons with the present heir to the throne.