"Patrick Henry" by Moses Coit Tyler is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and significance of Patrick Henry, the renowned orator and political figure known for his passionate speeches advocating for American independence and his role in the early formative years of Virginia's government. The opening of the book presents a preface wherein the author outlines the challenges and gaps in previous biographies of Patrick Henry, particularly those that lacked access to original materials and had to rely on hearsay and tradition. Tyler emphasizes his attempt to provide a comprehensive account using new documentary evidence and personal anecdotes, including insights gleaned from the family of Henry. The narrative begins by detailing Henry's early life, his family background, and the socio-political environment of his youth in Virginia, painting a picture of the formative experiences that shaped his character and oratory skills. (This is an automatically generated summary.)