Gerrard Winstanley: The Digger's Life and Legacy (Revolutionary Lives)

'The power of property was brought into creation by the sword', so wrote Gerrard Winstanley (1609-1676) – Christian Communist, leader of the Diggers movement and bête noire of the landed aristocracy. Despite being one of the great English radicals, Winstanley remains unmentioned in today's lists of 'great Britons'. John Gurney reveals the hidden history of Winstanley and his movement. As part of the radical ferment which swept England at the time of the civil war, Winstanley led the Diggers in taking over land and running it as 'a common treasury for all' – provoking violent opposition from landowners. Gurney also guides us through Winstanley's writings, which are among the most remarkable prose writings of his age. Gerrard Winstanley: The Digger's Life and Legacy is a must read for students of English history and all those seeking to re-claim the commons today. 'the Power Of Property Was Brought Into Creation By The Sword', So Wrote Gerrard Winstanley (1609-1676) - Christian Communist, Leader Of The Diggers Movement And Bête Noire Of The Landed Aristocracy. Despite Being One Of The Great English Radicals, Winstanley Remains Unmentioned In Today's Lists Of 'great Britons'. John Gurney Reveals The Hidden History Of Winstanley And His Movement. As Part Of The Radical Ferment Which Swept England At The Time Of The Civil War, Winstanley Led The Diggers In Taking Over Land And Running It As 'a Common Treasury For All' - Provoking Violent Opposition From Landowners. Gurney Also Guides Us Through Winstanley's Writings, Which Are Among The Most Remarkable Prose Writings Of His Age.--publisher's Website. Introduction -- The Making Of The Digger -- Winstanley The Digger -- A New Beginning? -- Winstanley's Legacy. John Gurney. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 129-156) And Index. 'The power of property was brought into creation by the sword', so wrote Gerrard Winstanley (1609 - 1676) Christian Communist, leader of the Diggers movement and bte noire of the landed aristocracy. Despite being one of the great English radicals, Winstanley remains unmentioned in today's lists of 'great Britons'. John Gurney reveals the hidden history of Winstanley and his movement. As part of the radical ferment which swept England at the time of the civil war, Winstanley led the Diggers in taking over land and running it as 'a common treasury for all' provoking violent opposition from landowners. Gurney also guides us through Winstanley's writings, which are among the most remarkable prose writings of his age. Gerrard Winstanley: The Digger's Life and Legacy is a must read for students of English history and all those seeking to re-claim the commons today. 'The power of property was brought into creation by the sword', so wrote Gerrard Winstanley (1609-1676) Christian Communist, leader of the Diggers movement and bète noire of the landed aristocracy. Despite being one of the great English radicals, Winstanley remains unmentioned in today's lists of 'great Britons'. John Gurney reveals the hidden history of Winstanley and his movement. As part of the radical ferment which swept England at the time of the civil war, Winstanley led the Diggers in taking over land and running it as 'a common treasury for all' provoking violent opposition from landowners. Gurney also guides us through Winstanley's writings, which are among the most remarkable prose writings of his age. Gerrard Winstanley: The Digger's Life and Legacy is a must read for students of English history and all those seeking to re-claim the commons today Christian Communist, leader of the Diggers movement and bete noire of the landed aristocracy, Gerard Winstanley (1609-1676) was one of the founders of a movement which fought for the redistribution of land and the abolition of wages and property under Oliver Cromwell.

John Gurney reveals the hidden history of Winstanley and his movement. As part of the radical ferment which swept England at the time of the civil war, Winstanley led the Diggers in taking over land and running it as 'a common treasury for all' - provoking violent opposition from landowners. Gurney also guides us through Winstanley's writings, which are among the most remarkable prose writings of his age.

Gurney proves that the Diggers, (or the New Levellers, as they called themselves) remain as an inspiration to many radical movements today. Intro -- Title page -- Copyright page -- Dedication page -- Contents -- Acknowledgements -- 1 Introduction -- 2 The Making of the Digger -- 3 Winstanley the Digger -- 4 A New Beginning? -- 5 Winstanley's Legacy -- A Note on Sources and Further Reading -- Notes -- Index Cover 1 Contents 8 Acknowledgements 9 1. Introduction 10 2. The Making of the Digger 18 3. Winstanley the Digger 56 4. A New Beginning? 95 5. Winstanley's Legacy 120 A Note on Sources and Further Reading 138 Notes 139 Index 166 Life and ideas of the great British radical who founded rural communes during the English Civil War