Richard Cobden: A Victorian Outsider

Abstract

Richard Cobden, one of the great figures of nineteenth-century English liberalism, had a career that touched on many aspects of Victorian life and thought. This new biography by Wendy Hinde is the first to be based on a thorough study of his letters and papers. Hinde's life of Cobden focuses on his fascinating career and his singular personality. She describes how, with his friend John Bright, he became the successful leader of the seven year campaign to repeal the corn laws, which removed protective tariffs from domestic agricultural goods and brought the working man within reach of a decent standard of living. For this achievement Cobden won both national and international fame. However, a few years later he forfeited his immense popularity by his outright opposition to the Crimean War. Because he insisted that the British should stop interfering in the affairs of other countries, he was characterized as unpatriotic and as an advocate of peace at any price. Then, after he had urged England to emulate America's peaceful progress, the United States became involved in its Civil War - a shattering blow to Cobden. The last years of his life were clouded by domestic tragedy, ill health, and his growing frustration at his country's apparent lack of interest in further reform. However, he had one final success when he negotiated, on behalf of a British government in which he had refused office, a treaty that brought down the tariff barriers between England and France. Hinde captures Cobden's character - his personal charm, courage and single-mindedness, intellectual liveliness, and the lack of self ambition - and argues convincingly that he was one of the most original and attractive figures in the pantheon of English politics. Her subtle and sympathetic biography of Cobden brings this eminent Victorian statesman to life. Wendy Hinde worked on 'The Economist' and was editor of 'International Affairs'. She is the author of distinguished biographies of two other nineteenth-century statesmen, George Canning and Castlereagh.