Riots, Rising And Revolution
Ian Gilmour
  • Published: 28 May 1993
  • ISBN: 9780712655101
  • Imprint: Pimlico
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 512
  • RRP: $35.00
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Riots, Rising And Revolution

Governance and Violence in Eighteenth Century England

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A Magisterial and highly readable history of 18th century Britain. '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 historical imagination. . . A brilliant tapestry. ' Michael Foot, OBSERVER

Britain in the eighteenth 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 hankerchief was a capital offence. In this brilliant history of the hidden side of the eighteenth century, Ian Gilmour argues that violence usually stemmed from the incompetence or arrogance of the ruling class. He 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 vivid picture of the vicious discipline of the army, skulduggery at elections, the class violence of industrial struggles, the ritual violence of duelling and the swingeing punishment of poachers.
  • Published: 28 May 1993
  • ISBN: 9780712655101
  • Imprint: Pimlico
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 512
  • RRP: $35.00
Categories:
Share…

About the author

Ian Gilmour

Ian Gilmour has been a barrister, journalist, politician and writer. He edited the Spectator from 1954 to 1959, was a Conservative MP from 1962 to 1992, and is now in the House of Lords. He was Secretary of State for defence in Edward Heath's government, and Lord Privy Seal and deputy Foreign Secretary at the beginning of Mrs Thatcher's. His previous books include Riot, Risings and Revolution, a history of violence in 18th-century England; Dancing with Dogma, an analysis of Britain under Thatcherism; Britain Can Work, an examination of laissez-faire economics; and The Body Politic, an historical account of the British constitution as well as The Making of the Poets: Byron and Shelley.

Praise for Riots, Rising And Revolution

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

It is difficult to do justice to the scope and intelligence of this marvellous account of a much understood age.

Mark Archer, Financial Times