The Struggle for Democracy: Parliamentary Reform, from Rotten Boroughs to Today

The book delves into the corrupt electoral system in England and Wales before the 1832 Reform Act, where only 12% of adult men could vote, and women were entirely excluded. It highlights the control of rotten boroughs and the public nature of voting, which led to intimidation and evictions. Through engaging anecdotes, the author, Roger Mason, chronicles significant reforms, including Catholic Emancipation and women's suffrage, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolution of voting rights from the inception of Parliament to the modern era.