Sir Walter Besant Manuscript
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Sir Walter Besant Manuscript
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The signed manuscript in this collection is untitled, but is enclosed in a gilt lettered buckram portfolio case that bears the title Queen Victoria's Jubilee. The chapter headings are: "I. The First Prophet," "Chapter 2. The Second Prophet," "III. The Third Prophet," "Ch. IV," and "Ch. V. Of the Future." Accompanied by a typescript of the same manuscript, with a few typed corrections, the work explores the theme of the social ills of England in 1825, and the resulting improvements under the reign of Queen Victoria up through 1895. Possibly an unpublished preliminary essay that was greatly enlarged upon in Besant's publication of The Queen's Reign and Its Commemoration (1897), the topics covered include political freedoms, provincialism, child labor, educational reform, religion, trade and agriculture, colonization, health and hygiene, medical improvements, and finally a proposal for an alliance of the "Five Great Nations" (Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand). Besant remarks, "Perhaps, the United States as well will join, though in the present temper of the people that appears improbable."
