Joseph Cowen and Popular Radicalism on Tyneside

This is the first full length study of Joseph Cowen (1829-1900), a newspaper magnate, radical activist and Liberal MP who represented Newcastle upon Tyne from 1874 to 1886.

During his political career he drew upon a coalition of support from working-class associations, the Irish community and regional interest groups. At home and abroad he championed the cause of the underdog and enjoyed close friendships with Mazzini and Garibaldi, Kossuth of Hungary and the Irish Nationalists.

This study breaks new ground by bringing together ethnic and urban studies, and considers the role of the press in building a radical power base.

About the Author:
Joan Allen is Senior Lecturer in British history at Newcastle University