the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Tom Paine : The Rights of Man. Part the Second

Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 21 October 1792: 'Now I am upon the republic system I must tell you that Bristol seems preparing for it. A pamphlet proposes the abolition of the corporation as unconstitutional & arbitrary & hints the same to all other corporate towns it is very well written — these little attacks sap the foundations of the citadel. If France models a republic & enjoys tranquillity who knows but Europe may become one great republic & Man be free of the whole? You see I use Paines words. But politics must not make us quarrel. You know the fable of the oak & the reed. I have been the oak & was pulled up by the roots & cast up. Let me try to be the reed.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Southey      

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