The Diaries of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury: Vol. 1: 1825-1845, Part Two

Lord Ashley, the Poor Man's Earl, was a prominent aristocratic philanthropist who championed social, industrial, educational, and health reforms in Victorian England. His evangelicalism and sense of philanthropy as duty led to the creation of a valuable resource for understanding the motivations of a prominent philanthropist and Victorian social reformer. The diaries span the period 1825-85 and provide a fascinating insight into Victorian politics and social change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 556 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Lord Ashley, later known as the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury, is widely recognized as a prominent aristocratic philanthropist whose unwavering dedication to alleviating suffering and championing the oppressed victims of Victorian progress defined his remarkable legacy. A deeply religious individual, Ashley's evangelicalism and profound sense of philanthropy as a moral obligation imbued his extraordinarily rich and candid diaries with immense significance, serving as a vital resource for understanding the motivations of a prominent philanthropist and Victorian social reformer.

These diaries encompass a comprehensive span of years, from 1825 to 1885, and this first volume, covering the period from 1825 to 1845, vividly portrays the emergence of Ashley as a passionate evangelical reformer and steadfast advocate for a diverse array of domestic and international issues and causes. In Volume 1, Part Two (spanning 1843 to 185), the questions and issues that would subsequently dominate his public work for years to come take center stage. During this period, Ashley had already begun to address these matters, which are evident in the discussions he had in Part One. His insightful analysis of significant topics, including religious debates, particularly the intense discussions surrounding Tractarianism; the deplorable working conditions, particularly for children, in industrial settings; and the work of the lunacy commission, showcases his growing confidence and established role as a key actor in these fields.

Part Two also includes a captivating narrative of a further European tour undertaken in 1843. The volume concludes with a political journal spanning 1834 to 1842, providing a detailed account of Ashley's involvement in and perspectives on the turbulent parliamentary history of that period. Through his meticulous documentation of his labors, religious and philosophical reflections, self-analysis, and descriptions and critiques of contemporaries, Ashley's diaries offer a captivating insight into Victorian politics and social change. These extraordinary diaries serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world and his profound belief in the power of philanthropy to bring about positive change.

Weight: 924g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267417