The Political Writings of Richard Cobden

The collected writings (1867) of the great classical-liberal theorist, campaigner for popular education, and advocate for international co-operation and peace.

Richard Cobden (Author)

9781108036702, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 December 2011

518 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.65 kg

Richard Cobden (1804–65) was the leading liberal thinker of his generation, and it was primarily through his efforts that the Corn Laws were repealed and that classical liberalism became the dominant political theory of the United Kingdom for over half a century. His first pamphlet was published in 1835 and his last in 1862. This collection was published two years after his death, and was regularly reprinted on both sides of the Atlantic well into the twentieth century. Volume 1 includes Cobden's first two pamphlets, England, Ireland and America and Russia, which argue that British foreign policy benefited only the 'establishment' while the ordinary people were forced, through excessive taxation, to finance military adventures. Advocating free trade, low taxation, reduced military spending and improvements to popular education, he suggests Britain should concentrate on improving conditions in Ireland rather than engage in sabre-rattling in the face of Russian expansionism.

England, Ireland, and America: England
Ireland
America
Russia: Russia, Turkey, and England
Poland, Russia, and England
The balance of power
Protection of commerce
1793 and 1853: 1. Belief concerning the last French war
2. Historical sources of information
3. Value of correct views of the war.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA]