Abstract
Strolling across Hyde Park on his way to work in Leadenhall Street, William Thornton was deep in thought, contemplating the imminent publication of his first book, Overpopulation and Its Remedy (1846), a political tract dealing with the dual problem of overpopulation and poverty across the British Isles. Like many other self-styled middle-class reformers who had witnessed the widespread distress being experienced in rural communities and urban centres, Thornton felt compelled to devise solutions that would improve the material lot of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. This became a persistent and leading theme in his poetical and prose works.
In candour, sincerity, and singleness of mind, few men come near him.
J.S. Mill on W.T. Thornton
[W]hom of all living men he most respects and admires.
W.T. Thornton on J.S. Mill
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References
William Thomas Thornton’s Books and Articles
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Donoghue, M. (2016). The Best, Truest, Noblest of Friends. In: Faithful Victorian. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-58773-2_4
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