In 'William Cobbett (Vol.1&2)', Edward Smith delves deep into the life and works of the renowned 19th-century political reformer, William Cobbett. Through his meticulous research and compelling narrative, Smith explores Cobbett's influence on the early labor movement and his championing of the rights of the common man. The book is written in a scholarly yet accessible style, making it a valuable resource for students of history and political science. Smith also provides insightful analysis of Cobbett's literary style, including his use of satire and irony to expose political corruption and social injustice. Set against the backdrop of industrial revolution-era England, 'William Cobbett (Vol.1&2)' offers a fascinating glimpse into an important period of political and social change. Edward Smith, a respected historian and author, has dedicated years to studying the life and works of William Cobbett. His expertise shines through in this comprehensive two-volume biography, offering readers a nuanced understanding of Cobbett's legacy and impact on British politics. Smith's passion for his subject matter is evident in the meticulous detail and thoughtful analysis present throughout the book. I highly recommend 'William Cobbett (Vol.1&2)' to anyone interested in political history, social reform, or the literature of the early 19th century. Smith's thorough research and engaging prose make this biography a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Autorentext
Edward Smith (18391919) was an English author and biographer. A Fellow of the Statistical Society, he was bestowed with its Howard Medal in 1875, for an essay on "The State of the Dwellings of the Poor". Some of his other well-known works are "England and America after Independence" and "The Life of Sir Joseph Banks".
Zusammenfassung
This edition shows us the incredible life and work of William Cobbett (1763-1835), an English author, independent journalist and Member of Parliament. As an intrinsically conservative journalist, he was frustrated by the shady British political establishment of the times and gave strong support to agrarians. He, with a popular agrarian faction, argued that reforming Parliament, including abolishing "rotten boroughs", unnecessary foreign activity and suppression of wages would promote internal peace and ease the poverty of farm labourers and smallholders. He relentlessly sought an end to borough-mongers, sinecurists and "tax-eaters" (overpaid and sometimes corrupt bureaucrats, public servants and stockbrokers), also dismissing British Jews in a typecast by the same token. Early in life he was a soldier and loyal devotee of King and country, but he later pushed for Radicalism, which helped bring about the Reform Act 1832 and his election that year as one of two MPs for the newly enfranchised borough of Oldham. His much-interwoven polemics cover subjects from political reform to religion. He argued that economic improvement could support growth in global population, as an anti-Malthusian. His writing coined the metaphor "a red herring".