Brave community

The Digger Movement in the English Revolution

Nonfiction, History, Renaissance, British
Cover of the book Brave community by John Gurney, Manchester University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Gurney ISBN: 9781847795434
Publisher: Manchester University Press Publication: July 19, 2013
Imprint: Manchester University Press Language: English
Author: John Gurney
ISBN: 9781847795434
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Publication: July 19, 2013
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Language: English

This is the first full-length, modern study of the Diggers or ‘True Levellers’, who were among the most remarkable of the radical groups to emerge during the English Revolution of 1640-60. It was in April 1649 that the Diggers, inspired by the teachings and writings of Gerrard Winstanley, began their occupation of waste land at St George’s Hill in Surrey and called on all poor people to join them or follow their example. Acting at a time of unparalleled political change and heightened millenarian expectation, the Diggers believed that the establishment of an egalitarian, property-less society was imminent.

The book establishes the local origins of the Digger movement, and sets out to examine pre-civil war social relations and social tensions in the parish of Cobham - from where significant numbers of the Diggers came - and the impact of civil war in the local community. It provides a detailed account of the Surrey Digger settlements and of local reactions to the Diggers, and it explores the spread of Digger activities beyond Surrey. In chapters on the writings and career of Gerrard Winstanley, it seeks to offer a reinterpretation of one of the major thinkers of the English Revolution.

This book should be of interest to all those interested in England’s mid-seventeenth-century revolution and in the history of radical movements.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This is the first full-length, modern study of the Diggers or ‘True Levellers’, who were among the most remarkable of the radical groups to emerge during the English Revolution of 1640-60. It was in April 1649 that the Diggers, inspired by the teachings and writings of Gerrard Winstanley, began their occupation of waste land at St George’s Hill in Surrey and called on all poor people to join them or follow their example. Acting at a time of unparalleled political change and heightened millenarian expectation, the Diggers believed that the establishment of an egalitarian, property-less society was imminent.

The book establishes the local origins of the Digger movement, and sets out to examine pre-civil war social relations and social tensions in the parish of Cobham - from where significant numbers of the Diggers came - and the impact of civil war in the local community. It provides a detailed account of the Surrey Digger settlements and of local reactions to the Diggers, and it explores the spread of Digger activities beyond Surrey. In chapters on the writings and career of Gerrard Winstanley, it seeks to offer a reinterpretation of one of the major thinkers of the English Revolution.

This book should be of interest to all those interested in England’s mid-seventeenth-century revolution and in the history of radical movements.

More books from Manchester University Press

Cover of the book Frontiers of servitude by John Gurney
Cover of the book New Labour and the New World Order by John Gurney
Cover of the book Cinemas and cinemagoing in wartime Britain, 1939–45 by John Gurney
Cover of the book Drafting the Irish Free State Constitution by John Gurney
Cover of the book Schools and the politics of religion and diversity in the Republic of Ireland by John Gurney
Cover of the book The naval war film by John Gurney
Cover of the book Pauper policies by John Gurney
Cover of the book Directing scenes and senses by John Gurney
Cover of the book Donors, technical assistance and public administration in Kosovo by John Gurney
Cover of the book Gender, rhetoric and regulation by John Gurney
Cover of the book Doris Lessing by John Gurney
Cover of the book The Open University by John Gurney
Cover of the book From Republic to Restoration by John Gurney
Cover of the book The Trump revolt by John Gurney
Cover of the book Independents in Irish party democracy by John Gurney
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy