This book examines the nature and ideas, as well as the underlying social interests and motives, of the reform movements of the early nineteenth century. Focusing primarily upon movements calling for parliamentary reform, Dinwiddy also pays attention to other agitations of the period, including Luddism, co-operative socialism and the Factory Movement. His analysis, while especially concerned with the politicization of the working classes, covers reformism and its repercussions at middle- and upper-class levels.

J. R. Dinwiddy is the author of From Luddism to the First Reform Bill: Reform in England 1810-1832, published by Wiley.