The Copybook: Readings in history and literature

25

Of Hares, Hounds and Red Herrings by William Cobbett

In January 1807, newspapers breathlessly reported that Napoleon Bonaparte’s rampage across Europe was at an end — but was it true?

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26

By Peter Monamy (1681–1749), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Liberty and Prosperity by John Trenchard

There are solid reasons why countries with lower taxes and less regulation tend to be more prosperous.

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27

By Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

‘God Never Sends Mouths Without Sending Meat’ by William Cobbett

Riding through Sussex, William Cobbett comes across a large family relaxing together in front of their charming cottage.

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28

By Leslie Ward (1851–1922), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Liberty and the Magistrate by John Trenchard

The citizen should not dutifully accept government intrusion as the price of community life.

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29

The Wisdom of the People by John Trenchard

In one of his ‘Cato Letters’, John Trenchard took issue with the view (popular in Westminster) that the public could not be left to make up their own minds.

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30

By Wager of Battle from The Newgate Calendar

It began to look as if Abraham Thornton might go down for rape and murder, so his attorneys dug deep into their bag of legal tricks.

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