Feargus O'Connor: Family Loves and Political Adventures

This latest biography of Feargus O'Connor tells the story not only of O'Connor's life from start to finish but of Ireland's rebellions, England's fight for democracy, Chartism, political economy (or pragmatism v principle), famous and infamous parliamentary Acts of the 1830s and 1840s, the Great Reform Act of 1832, the New Poor Law, repeal of the Corn Laws, attempted revolutions and impressive campaigns raised by the working classes of Great Britain in crucial years when British society was evolving toward either greater equality or greater division. Feargus O'Connor saw it all. In 1835 he saw Manchester's workers 'wending their way to the earthly hell.' He remained hostile to all exploiting classes. He was never 'one of your pruning, sipping, bit-and-bit, milk and water, half-way politicians.' Howe's telling is never less than absorbing.