The Politics of the People in Eighteenth-Century Britain

Dickinson (history, U. of Edinburgh) explores the role of the middle and lower classes of 17th-century Britain in parliamentary elections, in a wide range of pressure groups, in their local urban communities, and in popular demonstrations, as they tried to influence the ruling political institutions. He also shows how the people became increasingly politicized during the century as they shaped and defended their political perspectives, debated individual rights, tried to educate public opinion, and participated in public affairs. A final chapter outlines attempts to defend the existing order. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.