Elites, Civil Society and Reform since 1800
John Garrard
Polgrave, 2002

Much more than just a conventional history of franchise reform, this book explores the process in which British politics were democratized-and accounts for their relative success. Britain is set within the context of successive waves of democratization which have been in progress internationally since 1800. The author examines the role of British political elites, and the strength and character of civil society among social groups from 1832 onwards. He also analyzes the democratization of electoral behavior.