William Cobbett is best known for his "Rural Rides", a classic account of early-nineteenth century Britain. But he was a much greater figure than that implies, being the foremost satirist and proponent of reform of the time. This book presents a biography of one of England's greatest radicals.

For all that the establishment loathed and feared him, the people loved him, and he was greeted by adoring crowds wherever he went. He was a hero of his time, and Richard Ingram's admirable biography is both judicious, moving, sometimes funny and always utterly engaging.