The Life of Richard Cobden

This magisterial biography, first published in 1881, deals with the career of influential political and social reformer Richard Cobden.

John Morley (Author)

9781108026826, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

526 pages
21.6 x 3 x 14 cm, 0.66 kg

Richard Cobden (1804–1865) was a manufacturer and Liberal politician, campaigning for the repeal of the Corn Laws, and for a free market economy. His laissez-faire views on protectionism and the role of government intervention in economics had a lasting influence on British politics throughout the twentieth century as the antithesis of socialism. This Life, first published in 1881, set new standards for biographical documentation. Morley had the advantage of having not only Cobden's journals and letters to use, but access to those of many of his friends and political associates. Volume 2 deals with Cobden's career after the success of the Anti-Corn Law League, particularly his work on international relations between 1846 and his death. He spoke against Palmerston's foreign policy, and argued for closer ties with France at a time when Napoleon III's coup d'etat produced much anti-French feeling in England.

1. Election for the West Riding - purchase of Dunford - correspondence
2. Miscellaneous correspondence on social and political movements
3. The Don Pacifico debate - the Papal aggression - correspondence with Mr. Bright on reform – Kossuth
4. The Protectionists in office
5. The panic of 1853
6. The Crimean War
7. Death of his son
8. Chinese affairs - Cobden's motion - the dissolution
9. The Indian Mutiny - private affairs - second journey to America
10. Return from America - the new ministry
11. The French treaty
12. Holiday and return to Paris
13. The tariff - the fortification scheme
14. The policy of the commercial treaty
15. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1859–60 - Paris - return to England
16. The American war - fortification schemes - international law
17. Correspondence with Mr. Delane
18. The Danish war - last speeches in Parliament - correspondence
19. Speech at Rochdale - the land question - correspondence - last days and death
20. Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]