Taking Liberties

by Ashley, Mike

• ISBN13: 9780712350716
• ISBN10: 0712350713
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-01-15
• Publisher: British Library Board

Summary

For centuries Britain has laid claim to the notion of liberty yet the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens today were in fact hard fought for and won. This book uncovers those struggles, their winners, losers and stalemates, which have stretched over 900 years, and continue still. Drawing on the British Library's own unique and rich collections -- including diaries and ephemera from those who stood up to make social and political change in Britain, this readable and compelling text helps gives voice to the nature of Britain's democracy and place in the world at a time when issues of cohesion, diversity and identity have moved to the centre of public debate.

Author Biography

Mike Ashley is the author of more than eighty books covering a wide range of subjects, including The Seven Wonders of the World, British Monarchs, King Arthur, The Age of the Storytellers, and the biography of Algernon Blackwood, Starlight Man.

Table of Contents

The roots of liberty	p. 12
National liberties	p. 24
Freedom of worship and conscience	p. 48
The rights of the individual	p. 74
The right to vote	p. 96
The right to welfare	p. 114
Rights under threat	p. 136
Key dates	p. 140
Further information	p. 142
Index	p. 143
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.