Riots, Rising And Revolution: Governance and Violence in Eighteenth Century England

(Paperback)

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Description

Britain in the 18th century was deeply divided - riots over politics, food and religion were endemic. Despite the relative liberty of English institutions, the penal code was the harshest in Europe - stealing a handkerchief was a capital offence. In this history of the 18th century, Sir Ian Gilmour argues that violence usually stemmed from the incompetence or arrogance of the ruling class. Gilmour tells the story of the great rebellions - of Scotland in 1715 and 1745, of Ireland in 1798 - and the famous episodes of Wilkes and Gordon. But he also paints a picture of the vicious discipline of the army, skullduggery at elections, the class violence of industrial struggles, the ritual violence of dueling and the swingeing punishment of poachers. Other books by Sir Ian Gilmour include "The Body Politic", "Inside Right" and "Britain Can Work".

Reviews

A wonderful book... a masterly piece of historical writing... The talent he shares with the greatest historians such as E. P. Thompson and Christopher Hill is the gift of the historical imagination... A brilliant tapestry. -- Michael Foot * Observer *
A considerable achievement. -- E. P. Thompson * Guardian *
Impressive... Anybody interested in England's past should read this richly stimulating book. Let is hope that it will soon appear in paperback. -- Christopher Hill * Tribune *
The book is both a revelation and a compulsive read. -- Robert Blake * Country Life *
Richly documented and eloquent... challenges popular myths of the English and puts the record straight. -- Roy Porter * The Times Literary Supplement *

Author Bio

Ian Gilmour has been a barrister, journalist, politician and writer. His previous books include- The Making of the Poets- Byron and Shelley in Their Time; Dancing With Dogma, an analysis of Britain under Thatcherism; and Britain Can Work; and The Body Politic.