Rebecca's Children

This book marks the anniversary of one of the most colourful episodes in modern British social history.

The year 1839 witnessed the first appearance in south-west Wales of Rebecca, the mythical heroine.

David Jones reveals, with a wealth of documentary and statistical evidence, that the riots she inspired were more widespread and serious than was thought.

Even Queen Victoria felt compelled to demand urgent action against them.

The response to the disturbances, and to the meetings which accompanied them, was of the utmost importance in the history of modern Wales.

This book sets the riots in the wider context of a changing rural society.

It is a study of Rebecca's children, the peasantry of Wales.

The author examines their economy, poverty, family life, popular culture, social attitudes, crime and politics.

Much of this material, especially on deviancy, is published for the first time, and it illustrates how Rebeccaism grew naturally out of a fertile soil.

Even the extensive and sustained presence of soldiers and professional policemen could not completely eradicate the phenomenon. Historians are left to ponder its significance, both for 19th century society and for their own subject.

David Jones is the author of "The last rising - the Newport insurrection of 1839".