The 1790s saw a lively `French Revolution Debate' in England, with much space and intellectual energy, in classic texts by men such as Burke and Paine, and ensuing pamphlet literature, devoted characterisations and representations of the aristocracy; yet this is the first full-scale survey of the subject. Dr Goodrich takes a fresh approach to the topic, illustrating the complexities of the bitterbattle fought out in such texts between radicals and loyalists, and highlighting the persistent viciousness and vitriol of a radical anti-aristocratic rhetoric. However, she demonstrates that the loyalist response contained the more innovative campaign, bringing out in particular the development of a commercial loyalism which promoted a new model of society with a modern aristocracy and an open elite; what emerges are English defences of aristocracy which are not simply reducible to ideas of an ancien régime or a Gothic institution.
Reviews
There is much that can be praised here, and a number of valuable correctives are offered. (...) An impressive and scholarly study. ENLIGHTENMENT & DISSENTA very good examination of the debates that defined what it meant to be a loyal subject. (...) This study offers perceptions of aristocracy that shape our understanding of not only the critical decade of the French Revolution, but throughoutthe decades of reform measures and into the twentieth century. THE HISTORIAN
A welcome contribution to the literature. AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW
An interesting book, which undoubtedly adds a new dimension to our understanding of the French Revolution debate of the 1790s. SEHEPUNKTE
An auspicious and encouraging debut. ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW