William Rees-Mogg

William Rees-Mogg was a British author and journalist, who wrote opinion columns, lectures, and books on a range of topics from current affairs to history.

Born in London on 14 July 1928, Rees-Mogg was educated at Charterhouse school and Balliol College, Oxford. He wrote in various newspapers before becoming editor of the Times in 1967, his first major assignment for which he was awarded a knighthood.

During his time at the Times, he was known for his strong editorials, and was seen as a "reigning star" before he became closer to politics. He was a Member of Parliament from 1974-1977 and again from 1983-1992 and was appointed to the House of Lords, as Lord Rees-Mogg, in 1988. He was also a vice-chairman of the BBC and chair of the Arts Council of England.

William Rees-Mogg was a prolific writer. His best-known works are The Great Reckoning (1993), a history of the world economy and politics since 1945, The Reigning Error (1995), an essay on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and The Servile State (1979), an analysis of government and economic policy. His essays and lectures addressed history, politics, economics, law, art, music, and education. His work often invoked Christian philosophy and the need for moral reasoning in the public discourse.

In addition to his books and lectures, Rees-Mogg was a prolific contributor to opinion columns, making a weekly contribution in the Times until 2013. His columns were known for their attention to detail and philosophical exploration.

Rees-Mogg's journalistic and literary career was marked by a fascination with history and philosophy. His best-known books are biographical in nature, such as Elizabeth the Queen (2000), an exploration of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and The Price of Equality (1982), a look at the history of the British working class. These books were praised for their vivid descriptions and balanced writing.

Rees-Mogg's writing style was conversational and accessible, but often rigorous and well researched. He used his journalism and writing to explore ideas and defend his opinions. His writings often made reference to classical Greeks and Romans, and he often spoke of the need to learn from history in order to solve current crises.

Ultimately, William Rees-Mogg was a writer who viewed the world through a wide-angle lens. He wrote about history, philosophy, and politics, but he also wrote and spoke on a wide range of topics, including education, the law, and music. His writings and lectures sought to inform and enlighten the public discourse and to remind the modern world of the value of wisdom and morality.