Description:
Focusing on British "Jacobin" politics in the 1790s and its return in later years, this book stresses performative aspects of radicalism, and spaces of mobilization. Links between popular radicals and the Romantics are explored in a dialogue between history and literary studies.
Review Quotes:
"This collection of essays moves the history of British Jacobinism to a different plane by astutely exploring the interconnections of power, representation and performativity. The erudition and range of topics addressed is very impressive, tracking the radical past in taverns, coffee houses, theatres, prisons and convict ships. The book delves into the democratic promise of America and into Jacobin's afterlife as a displaced form of reference. It ends with an astute exploration of E. P. Thompson's reflections on Romanticism and revolution and its pertinence to his political perspective during World War II and its aftermath. For literary, social and cultural historians of the late eighteenth century, this is essential reading."
Nicholas Rogers, Distinguished Research Professor, York University, Toronto, Canada
"British Jacobin Politics is a lively and well researched study of the early democratic movement in Britain. Epstein and Karr give a fascinating insight into the emotional impulses that motivated political radicalism in Britain during a tumultuous period of European revolution. They take us deep into the theatres, coffee houses and prisons where British Jacobinism was formed and performed, and follow its significant legacy into Chartism. This book will be essential for historians and students of the age of revolution."
Katrina Navickas, Reader in History, University of Hertfordshire, UK