Overview

This book looks at the life and work of Robert Blatchford, a pioneer of the British labour movement in the late nineteenth century. A highly talented journalist, he was an originator of the didactic political column and inspired a grassroots socialist movement. In 'Merrie England' he outlined his vision of a communal, cooperative, and ethical society as an alternative to competitive capitalist individualism. It eventually sold in millions around the world, and helped to inspire new generations of socialist activists everywhere. As Blatchford's disillusion with the British Labour Party grew after 1900, he developed a form of 'Tory Socialism'. This combined patriotism and welfarism within 'one nation', in which the wealthy accepted the responsibilities of the state for the poor, and the working classes abstained from revolutionary violence and social class hatred. The book looks at Blatchford's early life and the experiences that influenced him, his relations with the press 'barons' of the time, and his dealings with many of the leading figures of the labour movement, such as Keir Hardie, Victor Grayson and Ramsay MacDonald.

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9781482075113

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Tony Judge has taught in universities and colleges in the UK and USA for many years. He was a postgraduate student at LSE, and a Teacher- Fellow at SOAS, London University. He is the author of 'Radio Philosopher: The Radical Life of Cyril Joad.' He is married, and lives mainly in London

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