Ian Gilmour, Riots, Risings and Revolution: Governance and Violence in Eighteenth Century England

Gilmour is what Conservatism should be. Intelligent and pragmatic with a social conscience. Hopefully one day they'll discover that again. Most of the book is set out thematically; food riots, mutinies and so on. Such a good book. Freddie gave me a smile for the first time, just after I finished reading. Almost had a tear. . . .
(Horace Walpole on Wilkes) Does not there seem to be a fatality attending the Court whenever they meddle with that man? What instance is there of such a demagogue maintaining a war against a King, Ministries, Courts of Law, a whole legislature and all Scotland for nine years together? Wilkes in prison is chosen MP and then Alderman of London. His colleagues betray him, expose him and he becomes Sheriff of London. I believe, if he was to be hanged, he would be made King of England