Miller, A Nation of Petitioners: Petitions and Petitioning in the United Kingdom, 1780–1918.

Henry J. Miller's book, "A Nation of Petitioners: Petitions and Petitioning in the United Kingdom, 1780–1918," provides a comprehensive study of the role of petitions in effecting political and social change in the UK during the "long nineteenth century." Miller explores the success of petitioning as a strategy for achieving legislative change, using examples such as the anti-slavery movement and the campaigns for Catholic Emancipation and the repeal of the corn laws. The book also examines the scale of petitions presented to parliament, the identities of the petitioners, and the mobilization of popular support through petitioning. Miller argues that petitions were a democratic means of political engagement, accessible to all regardless of gender, class, or religious denomination. The book offers valuable insights into the history of petitioning and its significance in the UK during this period. [Extracted from the article]