Beschreibung:

Hunt (Henry, 1773-1835). British radical speaker and agitator. A group of three satirical broadsides relating to Henry "Orator" Hunt, printed by J.M. Gutch, [Bristol], c. 1812, the first entitled 'Lunatic Escaped', contemporary manuscript insertion 'Hunt the' at head above drop-title, some spotting and slight staining, a few very small closed tears, 43 x 27 cm, laid on a contemporary album leaf, the second entitled 'To the 187 sages of Bristol who have voted for Mr Hunt', signed 'Botherem Bobble' in print at foot, laid on a contemporary paper leaf, tear with loss to left blank margin and some old newspaper print adhesion to right margin not affecting text, 25 x 19.5 cm, the third made up as a theatre broadside, entitled 'Theatre Republique, Talbot Tavern. For the benefit of citizen Hunt ['a Violent Jacobin' inserted in manuscript beneath]. This present evening, Thursday 9th July 1812, and every evening during the election, will be presented a new low comedy called The Banditti', some slight soiling and staining, laid on contemporary paper, 39 x 24 cm (Qty: 3) Henry Hunt was a prosperous farmer who became drawn into radical politics during the Napoleonic wars. His talent for public speaking became noted in the electoral politics of Bristol, where he denounced the complacency of the Whigs and the Tories, and proclaimed himself a supporter of democratic radicalism. In 1819 Hunt was invited by the Patriotic Union Society to be one of the scheduled speakers at a rally in Manchester, which turned into the Peterloo massacre. Hunt was arrested for high treason and sentenced to thirty month's imprisonment. In 1830 he became a member of parliament for Preston and was the first MP to advocate for women's suffrage. All the broadsides are rare with no copies located on Library Hub Discover. University of Bristol Libraries have a manuscript purporting to be that of the theatrical hand-bill included in this lot.