Another Cobbett Book
William Cobbett was aware of his greatness and intended to publish his autobiography. He had got together a good deal of material, and selected the title, The Progress of a Ploughboy to a Seat in Parliament. Under this title the life is now edited by Mr. William Reitzel, and published by Faber and Faber, at is. 6d. Cobbett's other many writings, particularly the Register, the Rural Rides, Advice to Young Men and Porcupine, provided all that was required by the editor to fill out Cobbett's life. Cobbett was obstinate and uncom- promising. He battered down his opponent, and, on some occasions . when battering failed, he retreated with-
out much dignity. He lived in an age of revolution, and raged at a complacent, traditional way of govern- ment which was out-dated. He was a great patriot who wanted every one to be free and well-fed. He could not deliberate issues ; he must act on impulsive decisions. Still, when he realized he had been wrong, his candour was equal to admitting it. His was a voice which, crying in the wilderness, drove out of hearing the very people he most wanted to attract. But he wrote English with the directness, vigour and colour of a Bunyan.
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