G.D.H. Cole: ‘Enlightenment on the Surface, the Romantic Movement Underneath’

This chapter provides an overview of who G.D.H. Cole was and his life. Three key themes emerge from this. One, Cole’s William Morris-inspired and deeply held libertarian beliefs. Two, his immense productivity and the huge sphere of areas over which he had an impact. And three, his lack of a clear home or identity across his career. From here, the concept of ‘semi-alienation’ is introduced and defined, before an outline of what is to come in the book is offered.