'tis Treason, My Good Man!: Four Revolutionary Presidents And A Piccadilly Bookshop

Eric Stockdale's historical work illuminates one of the least known but most interesting corners of history: American propaganda before and during the War of Independence, much of it written by English authors. With unique insight the author takes the reader back to the turbulent years in London just before, during and after the American Revolution. We are introduced to a cast of historic characters, both heroes and villains: Prime Ministers, Attorneys-General, Members of Parliament and 'bloody revolutionaries of the worst sort!' Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, among other radicals, all step forth and take their place in these times 'that try men's souls'. We come to understand the quiet courage and audacity of men like John Almon, John Stockdale and other pro-American booksellers, and the deadly edge of treason they had to tread. We learn about the Byzantine tangle of British politics and the men who pushed England's famed Freedom of the Press to Lord North's and the King's great distress. With excellent scholarship and research the author, a retired English Circuit judge, presents to the reader a comprehensive picture of John Stockdale, a remarkable English publisher/bookseller of Americana and his trans-Atlantic book trade. This work will be enjoyed by enthusiasts of the Age of Enlightenment, American Revolutionary history, British printing history and all those interested in Freedom of Speech and of the Press. Contains 19 illustrations. Co-published with The British Library. SALES RIGHTS: Worldwide except the UK; available in the UK from The British Library.