Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
John Lilburne (1615-1657) aka 'Freeborn John' was an important political agitator during the English Civil War and one of the leading figures in The Levellers, the short-lived but highly influential radical sect that called for law reform, religious tolerance, extended suffrage, the rights of freeborn Englishmen and a new form of government that was answerable to the people and underwritten by a written constitution. Lilburne, who was often imprisoned and even tortured for his beliefs, was a brave and inspirational figure. His writings fearlessly exposed the hypocrisy and self-serving corruption of those in power - whether King Charles II or Oliver Cromwell - and his legal and philosophical work on rights have been credited as the basis for the rights contained in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Thie edited book assesses the legacy of Lilburne and the Levellers 400 years after his birth and features contributions by leading historians of the period as well as experts in law (Geoffrey Robertson, QC). It will be of enormous interest to those with an interest in the the English Civil war,17th Century history and the radical political tradition.
Synopsis
John Lilburne (1615-1657), or 'Freeborn John' as he was called by the London crowd, was an important political agitator during the English Revolution. He was one of the leading figures in The Levellers, the short-lived but highly influential radical sect that called for law reform, religious tolerance, extended suffrage, the rights of freeborn Englishmen, and a new form of government that was answerable to the people and underpinned by a written constitution.
This edited book assesses the legacy of Lilburne and the Levellers 400 years after his birth, and features contributions by leading historians. They examine the life of Lilburne, who was often imprisoned and even tortured for his beliefs, and his role as an inspirational figure even in contemporary politics. They also assess the writings that fearlessly exposed the hypocrisy and self-serving corruption of those in power - whether King Charles I or Oliver Cromwell. They look at his contribution to political ideas, at his role as a revolutionary leader, his personal and political relations with his wife Elizabeth, his exile in the Netherlands, his late decision to become a Quaker, and his reputation after his death.
This collection will be of enormous interest to academics, researchers, and readers with an interest in the English Civil War, 17th Century history, and the contemporary legacy of radical political tradition.