George Herbert Perris 1866-1920

This biography considers the impact of a remarkable individual on a number of issues in Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and makes a contribution to the political and cultural history of the period. The son of a Unitarian minister, Perris devoted his life to many causes including the Peace Movement, the promotion of international understanding, the encouragement of democracy at home and abroad, particularly in Tsarist Russia, and the development of new policies to replace laissez-faire capitalism. He was a successful journalist, prolific author and pamphleteer. In the field of publishing, Perris founded one of the early literary agencies and originated the Home University Library, which provided specially commissioned cheap, authoritative introductions to academic subjects for general readers. In 1914, breaking with many of his radical friends, Perris became a principled supporter of the war he believed to have been caused by unprovoked German aggression. He was a distinguished correspondent with the French armies for the London Daily Chronicle and was an early supporter of the proposed League of Nations.

Autorentext
The Author: Robert Gomme was educated at the London School of Economics, University of London, where he read politics, history and economics. He worked in British government service, mainly in the Department of the Environment but also in the Cabinet Office. Since retirement in 1990 he has pursued research into aspects of modern British history and has contributed articles to learned journals and the New Dictionary of National Biography.

Zusammenfassung
«Over decades, the author's painstaking research has discovered the primary materials for this biography. Though the manuscript sources were few, scattered and incomplete, Robert Gomme's compelling narrative is a fitting tribute to its subject. This splendid piece of literary and biographical detective work provides an important contribution to our understanding of Edwardian radicalism and pacifism.» (A.J.A. Morris, The Times Literary Supplement)
«Robert Gomme has performed a considerable service in rescuing from near-oblivion someone who played a significant role in the background of public affairs in the late Victorian and Edwardian period.» (Patrick Jackson, Parliamentary History)

Inhalt

Contents: Peace movement in Britain - International relations -Democracy - Liberalism - Socialism - Ethicism - Tolstoyism - World War I - Publishing history - Journalism.