This English pamphleteer, farmer, and journalist relentlessly advocated for parliamentary reform and the abolition of corrupt boroughs to improve the lives of farm laborers. He was a fierce critic of those who exploited power and opposed the restrictive Corn Laws. While his political loyalties evolved, a steadfast opposition to authority and a suspicion of novelty remained constant throughout his life. He is celebrated for his passionate polemics on diverse subjects, with his enduringly popular work, 'Rural Rides,' serving as a testament to his keen observation and engagement with the English countryside.
After a lengthy absence of 150 years, this book returns to the literary scene, offering readers a chance to explore its timeless themes and insights. The revival presents an opportunity to engage with its historical context and appreciate the significance it held in its original era. This reissue aims to introduce a new generation to its unique narrative and enduring relevance.
William Cobbett provides evocative descriptions of the 19th century southern English countryside, his encounters with labourers, and outbursts at the encroaching cities and sufferings of the poor. Ian Dyck places these accounts in the context of Cobbett's political and social beliefs. schovat popis