This book examines how England was still barring Catholics from politics during the 1800s. Catholic Emancipation: A Shake to Men's Minds traces the events that led to the election of Daniel O'Connell and an attempt to change the law. Though the English king was opposed to the changes, O'Connell was allowed to serve in the Commons beginning in 1829. The author looks at this political emancipation in relation to other issues of the era, such as calls for parliamentary reform, the shifting influence of the monarchy, and Irish nationalism.