Richard Cobden (1804–1865) was a manufacturer and Liberal politician, campaigning for the repeal of the Corn Laws, and for a free market economy. His laissez-faire views on protectionism and the role of government intervention in economics had a lasting influence on British politics throughout the twentieth century as the antithesis of socialism. This Life, first published in 1881, set new standards for biographical documentation. John Morley was a journalist, biographer and future Liberal statesman, and had the advantage of having not only Cobden's journals and letters to use, but access to those of many of his friends and political associates. He clearly sympathised with many of Cobden's ideas, but does not let this colour his careful analysis of the character of Cobdenite radicalism.