Part of the 'Penguin Monarchs' series, the author gives a concise and perceptive biography of William IV, the 'Sailor King'. Beginning with his childhood, it covers his years with the navy, his long relationship with the actress Mrs Jordan and his marriage to Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen. Inheriting the throne at a time of strikes, riots and the push for parliamentary reform, the author shows William as a better king than sailor, leaving the monarchy in a healthier state for the smooth succession of his niece, Victoria. A genealogical table is included, along with colour images of paintings and caricatures of the time.