George Canning warned the Commons to be very careful about their plans for reform.

George Canning urged Britain not to bring Continental Europe’s topsy-turvy politics home by getting too closely involved.

JB Cramer was one of the finest pianists of his day, though his reverence for Mozart made his own music more popular in the drawing room than the concert hall.

Adam Smith asks employers to pay the most generous wages their finances will allow.

Adam Smith encourages employers to restrict working hours to reasonable limits, for humanity and for profit.

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was commissioned by a fiercely independent Britain, and Beethoven was excited to oblige.