As King’s Counsel he was involved in many celebrated trials, including the prosecution of John Horne Took for high treason and of Queen ­Caroline for adultery. His other notable achievements include the defence of Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man, which cost him the post of Attorney-General to the Prince of Wales. He also served as Member of Parliament for Portsmouth and for one year as Lord Chancellor. Latterly the First Baron Erskine, this absorbing book covers his rise to prominence and distinguished career at the Bar of England and Wales.