Rural Rides

A key text for the understanding of Victorian politics and England's rural history

William Cobbett provides evocative descriptions of the 19th century southern English countryside, his encounters with labourers, and outbursts at the encroaching cities and sufferings of the poor. Ian Dyck places these accounts in the context of Cobbett's political and social beliefs.Travelling on horseback through southern England in the early 19th century, William Cobbett provides evocative and accurate descriptions of the countryside, colourful accounts of his encounters with labourers, and indignant outbursts at the encroaching cities and the sufferings of the exploited poor. Ian Dyck's new edition places these lively accounts of rural life in the context of Cobbett's political and social beliefs and reveals the volume as his platform for rural radical reform.