Loyalty, Memory and Public Opinion in England, 1658-1727

This book explores the emergence of an early modern 'public sphere' through the petition-like loyal address, arguing that they fostered a politically aware public by mapping shifts in national 'mood' and acknowledging the legitimacy of the social and political hierarchy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This book makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion surrounding the emergence of an early modern "public sphere." By examining the petition-like form of loyal addresses, it argues that these texts played a crucial role in fostering a politically aware public by documenting shifts in the national "mood." Spanning addressing campaigns from the late-Cromwellian to the early Georgian period, the book delves into the production, presentation, subscription, and publication of these texts. It suggests that beneath partisan attacks on the credibility of loyal addresses, there existed a broad consensus regarding the validity of this political practice. Ultimately, loyal addresses recognized the existence of a "political public" while simultaneously conceding the legitimacy of the social and political hierarchy. These addresses formed a political structure that was well-suited to a fundamentally unequal society, where the monarchy remained the central focus of political life.

Introduction:
The emergence of an early modern "public sphere" has been a subject of intense scholarly debate. Scholars argue that the rise of print media, the growth of urban populations, and the development of political institutions facilitated the creation of a space where individuals could engage in public discourse and debate. Loyal addresses, a form of political communication that emerged in the late-Cromwellian to early Georgian period, played a significant role in shaping this public sphere.

Loyal Addresses as a Political Practice:
Loyal addresses were written in response to specific political events or situations and were intended to convey the sentiments of a particular group or individual to the government or other authorities. They typically took the form of a petition, with the writer expressing their support or opposition to a particular policy or action. Loyal addresses were often published in newspapers or other periodicals, making them accessible to a wide audience.

The Political Awareness of the Public:
The book argues that loyal addresses helped to foster a politically aware public by mapping shifts in the national "mood." By documenting changes in public opinion and political attitudes, loyal addresses provided a means for individuals to engage with the political process and to become more informed about the issues that were affecting their lives. This increased political awareness contributed to the development of a more active and engaged citizenry.

Production, Presentation, Subscription, and Publication of Loyal Addresses:
The book explores the production, presentation, subscription, and publication of loyal addresses. It examines the various strategies that writers and publishers used to ensure that their messages were heard and to maximize their impact. It also considers the role that social and political hierarchies played in shaping the production and reception of loyal addresses.

Consensus about the Validity of Loyal Addresses:
Despite partisan attacks on the credibility of loyal addresses, the book argues that there existed a broad consensus about the validity of this political practice. This consensus was rooted in the belief that political participation was essential for the functioning of a democratic society and that loyal addresses provided a means for individuals to express their opinions and concerns to the government.

The Legitimacy of the Social and Political Hierarchy:
Loyal addresses acknowledged the existence of a "political public" but did so in a way that fundamentally conceded the legitimacy of the social and political hierarchy. They recognized the importance of the monarchy as the ultimate source of political authority and acknowledged the role that other social and political groups played in shaping public opinion and political discourse.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the emergence of an early modern "public sphere." By examining the petition-like form of loyal addresses, it demonstrates how these texts played a crucial role in fostering a politically aware public and in shaping the political landscape of the early modern period. The book's insights into the production, presentation, subscription, and publication of loyal addresses provide valuable insights into the political practices and attitudes of the time.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719097034