The Life of William Cobbett

This volume is representative of the historical works of a particular period (1923-29) when there was a hiatus in the output of Cole the theoretician. It is an extraordinary contribution to labour history and is among the finest of his historical works.

1. The Times2. Boyhood and Youth 3. Life in the Army 4. The Soldier’s Friend 5. Peter Porcupine in America 6. Entry into English Politics 7. The ‘Pitt System’ – the Passing of Anti-Jacobinism 8. Life at Botley 9. Cobbett Joins the Radicals 10. The Change in Cobbett’s Opinions – ‘Perish Commerce!’ 11. Prosecution and Sentence 12. In Newgate – The Luddites 13. The Fall of Napoleon – Religious Opinions – The Corn Laws 14. The Fruits of Victory 15.Two Years’ Residence in America 16. The Six Acts – Queen Caroline 17. Factory Slavery – Cobbett and the Trade Unions 18. Grammar and Husbandry 19. Catholic Emancipation – the Preston Election 20. Advice to Young Men 21. Rural Rides 22. The Reform Movement – the Labourers’ Revolt 23. The Reform Act 24. The Reformed Parliament – The ‘Trades Union’ 25 The Poor Law Struggle 26. A Tour in Ireland – The End. Postscripts – I Cobbett’s Will and Effects II ‘The Political Register’ III Cobbett’s Seat in Parliament IV Cobbett’s Family A Brief Bibliography of Cobbett’s Writings A Note on Books Valuable for the Study of Cobbett’s Times. General Index.