Beginning his controversial book with the reign of George III and ending with the death of Diana Spencer, Antony Taylor argues that in fact debates about royalty in Britain have always included an anti-monarchist element.

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Product Description

In recent years there has been periodic disquiet with monarchy in both Britain and the Commonwealth. Whilst a number of important studies have reappraised the ceremonial surrounding the British royal family, the converse of monarchism - anti-monarchism - has been neglected. For some historians an identifiable current of English republicanism does not exist. This text attempts to fill the gap and to modify assumptions about the historical failure of radicals to contest monarchy effectively by looking at the issue of anti-monarchism in British politics from the French revolution to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. At a time when European integration, devolution in Scotland and Wales, and reform of the House Lords are forcing Britain to take stock of its governing institutions, this text contributes to the debates surrounding the House of Windsor.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #886463 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-14
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 250 pages

From the Publisher
About this book
In recent years, periodic discontent with the monarchy has become an aspect of political life in both Britain and the Commonwealth. While a number of important books have attempted to reappraise the British royal family, the study of anti-monarchism has by contrast been largely ignored.

'Down with the Crown' seeks to fill this gap and to modify assumptions about the failure of radicals to contest monarchy effectively by looking at the issue of anti-monarchism in British politics from the French Revolution to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

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Customer Reviews

Outstanding re-appraisal of a much-neglected topic
This book is a major achievement in research on British republicanism. Taylor not only offers the first useful survey for a period from the 1790s to the present, but extends the focus of research to the British colonies. Moreover, he plausibly substitutes the term "anti-monarchism" for "republicanism", thus achieving a much more coherent interpretation of this little-known aspect of British history. Last but not least: This book is a good read, with its 79 pictures enhancing both enjoyment and knowledge about the subject.