The Opinions of William Cobbett
Edited by James Grande, John Stevenson and Richard Thomas
December 2013
200 pages
Paperback
978-1-4094-6432-7
£25.00 £12.50
Politician, journalist, reformer, convict, social commentator and
all-round thorn in the side of the establishment, William Cobbett
cut a swathe through late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century
British society with his copious and acerbic writings on any
and every issue that caught his attention. Both a radical and a
conservative, and with strong opinions on any given subject, Cobbett
had a talent for controversial and pugnacious writing that echoes
down the centuries and still rings fresh today. Commemorating the
250th anniversary of Cobbett’s birth in 1763, this book provides a
selection of his writings – both published and unpublished – that
highlight his talents, obsessions, and concerns. From corruption
and Parliamentary reform, poverty and commerce, to patriotism
and religion, the selections display Cobbett at his best – sometimes
outraged and excoriating, sometimes sympathetic and reasoned –
but always honest and witty.
Divided into 14 chapters each dealing with a particular theme,
the selections are contextualised so as to provide the necessary
historical background for any readers who may be unfamiliar with
the period. In so doing, the book not only brings to life the dynamic
and rumbustious world of Georgian England within which Cobbett
moved, but also reveals many uncanny parallels with modern
concerns. Whether espousing political reform, promoting rural
affairs or decrying a spiralling national debt, many of Cobbett’s
opinions seem as relevant today as when they were first written.
Certainly modern readers will find much here to educate, amuse
and admire.
To order, please visit: www.ashgate.com/history
Until the end of November copies can be ordered at half price (£12.50) with the attached flyer.
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