Champion of English Freedom: The Life of John Wilkes, MP and Lord Mayor of London

John Wilkes was a controversial figure in the eighteenth century, known for his criticism of the government and his role in securing freedom of the press. He was expelled as an MP and prosecuted for libel but later became Lord Mayor of London. This new book explores the enigma of a man who fascinated his own period and remains an important symbol of freedom today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

John Wilkes, a prominent figure of the eighteenth century, was a fierce critic of the government and used his newspaper, The North Briton, to bring down the administration of Prime Minister Lord Bute. Despite being expelled as an MP and prosecuted for libel, he staged a highly publicized return and became a key figure in securing freedom of the press. Throughout his life, Wilkes adopted multiple guises, undergoing a series of reinventions. He started out as a libertine young man about town, became an MP, spent several years in exile and prison, and was elected as Lord Mayor of London. Despite his seedy reputation as a pornographer, he was devoted to his daughter. His behavior divided friend and foe alike. This new book, marking the 250th anniversary of Wilkes' election as Lord Mayor, seeks to uncover the enigma of a man who fascinated his own period and remains an important symbol of freedom to this day.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 167 x 243 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398111707