Synopses & Reviews
This book explores the life, thought and political commitments of the free-thinker John Toland (1670-1722). Studying both his private archive and published works, it illustrates how Toland moved in both subversive and elite political circles in England and abroad. It explores the connections between his republican political thought and his irreligious belief about Christian doctrine, the ecclesiastical establishment and divine revelation, arguing that far from being a marginal and insignificant figure, Toland counted queens, princes and government ministers as his friends and political associates.
The book argues that Toland shaped the republican tradition after the Glorious Revolution into a practical and politically viable program, focused not on destroying the monarchy, but on reforming public religion and the Church of England. It explores the connections between Tolands erudition and print culture, arguing that his intellectual project was aimed at compromising the authority of Christian ‘knowledge as much as the political power of the Church.
Review
"This is a significant contribution based on extensive new research, and is likely to be the standard account of Toland for many years to come.” --David Wootton, Queen Mary, University of London
Synopsis
Argues that far from being a marginal and insignificant figure, Toland counted queens, princes and government ministers as his friends and political associates
Synopsis
This book explores the life, thought and political commitments of the free-thinker John Toland (1670-1722). Studying both his private archive and published works, it illustrates how Toland moved in both subversive and elite political circles in England and abroad. It explores the connections between his republican political thought and his irreligious belief about Christian doctrine, the ecclesiastical establishment and divine revelation, arguing that far from being a marginal and insignificant figure, Toland counted queens, princes and government ministers as his friends and political associates.
The book argues that Toland shaped the republican tradition after the Glorious Revolution into a practical and politically viable program, focused not on destroying the monarchy, but on reforming public religion and the Church of England. It explores the connections between Tolands erudition and print culture, arguing that his intellectual project was aimed at compromising the authority of Christian ‘knowledge as much as the political power of the Church.
About the Author
Justin Champion is Professor of History at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Table of Contents
Preface * Abbreviations * Introduction: locating John Toland 8 Part One Republics of Learning: “The traffick of books”: Libraries, friends and conversation * Publishing reason: John Toland and print and scribal communities * Reading Mystery: the reception of Christianity not mysterious 1696--1702 * Part Two The war against tyranny and prejudice: Editing the republic: Milton, Harrington and the Williamite Monarchy, 1698--1714 * Anglia Libera: Protestant liberties and the Hanoverian succession, 1700--1714 * Sapere aude: ‘Commonwealth politics under George I, 1714--1722 * Part Three Subversive Learning: Respublica Mosaica: impostors, legislators and civil religion * De studio theologia: patristic erudition and the attack on scripture * “A complete history of priestcraft”: the druids and the origins of ancient virtue * Conclusion: writing enlightenment * Index