Burke was an Irish born English Statesman and author; he was sympathetic towards American colonists and the Irish Catholics; he was a strong enemy of French Revolution. He was the son of a Dublin lawyer and Burke himself was legally trained at the Middle Temple, though he didn't practise much law. His first work, anonymously published, A Vindication of Natural Society, came out in 1756. In 1765 he became private secretary to Rockingham the leader of the governing Whig party and he presently found himself with a seat in the commons; but the whigs were soon out of power and Burke was on the opposition benches for most of his parliamentary career. He is known for his numerous speeches, including: On Conciliation with the American Colonies (1775), Impeachment of Warren Hastings (1788) ("a masterpiece of English eloquence.") and, of course, Reflections on the French Revolution (1790). Burke was not one to hold back even where he knew his positions would not be popular (he lost his seat in the 1780 Bristol election, this because he thought there should be freer trade with the Irish, and that the Irish Catholics should be liberated). He was thought to be a bit excessive in oratorical displays and some what inconsistent in his views (Chambers). His sympathies, however, were always with those who were suffering misfortune, or injustice.
