A Subject of Scandal and Concern: (and Almost a Vision)

“I have injured no man’s reputation, taken no man’s property, attacked no man’s person, violated no oath, taught no immorality. I was asked a question and answered it openly.”

Cheltenham, 1842. George Jacob Holyoake is a poor young teacher, making his way from Birmingham to Bristol to visit a friend who has been imprisoned for publishing a journal that criticises the establishment. When he makes a stop in Cheltenham to address a lecture, his words and his overwhelming commitment to speaking ...