This volume in the new "Revolutions" series shows just how the Levellers' were the first Western radical democrats. Evolving from Oliver Cromwell's New Model army in Parliament's struggle against King Charles I, the Levellers pushed for the removal of corruption in parliament, universal voting rights and religious toleration through protests and pamphlets. This came to a head with the famous debates between the Levellers and Cromwell at St Mary's church in Putney, London - and was followed by violent suppression. Renowned human-rights lawyer and author Geoffrey Robertson makes a passionate argument for the relevance of the Levellers' stand today, showing how they were the first Western radical democrats.

Compiled by: Philip Baker
Introduction by: Geoffrey Robertson