Chartism

Seminar Studies in History

by Edward Royle, Roger Lockyer

This text has established itself as the best short account of the Chartist movement available. It considers its origins and development, placing the movement within its broad social and economic context. Dr Royle also provides clear analysis of its strategy and leadership and assesses the conflicting interpretations for the failure of Chartism.

Genres: History

158 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Edward Royle is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of York, UK.

Reviews

[Bill38silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a great fan of the Seminar Study Series, but I enjoyed this one less than others. Perhaps this was the constant flipping back and forth to read the 42 extracts of contemporary documents. More than once. Perhaps it was the complex subject matter or the style or structure of this study. Certainly, I have found other works on Chartism easier to read (for example, Harry Browne's version in the Access to History series: see my review on that book).

Chartism is an interesting subject where it is possible to draw comparisons with modern day politics and attitudes. How many people today have even heard of William Lovett, Henry Hetherington, Richard Oastler, George Julian Harney, and not least Feargus O'Connor or Brontterre O'Brian amongst others. These were formidable men of influence in their times and are deserving of greater appreciation of their dedication and impact on the lives of others in difficult times where brutal persecution and imprisonment (or transportation) was the outcome for many in standing up for what they believed in or because their living conditions were so appalling.

[Shake n' Vac]

A part of the Seminar Studies series, this particular seminar is broken into two parts: the account of Chartism and a number of typed versions of supporting documentation. Rather than flick between the two, which can break the flow as pointed out by another reviewer, I simply read the text through then returned to the documents after.

The account is an excellent one of a topic that, as the author admits, in many ways is a vague one (the individual motives for being a part of the Chartist movement, for example). The account itself is split into two with a chronological account of the movement from its distant origins until its real demise, followed by a breakdown of themes such as the leadership, communications and an overall conclusion. A worthy read - however you decide to tackle it.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Informative. Knowledgeable. A good source for research.