Addressing the critical issues that were to bring Richard Cobden (1804-1865) to the attention of Europes political classes, this volume provides a timely reassessment of his influence on the development of nineteenth-century economic thinking. Focusing particularly on Cobdens advocacy of free trade and opposition to tariffs, the book explores the impact of Cobdenism on the national and international stage, and considers his lasting legacy to economic liberalism. Offering a broad yet coherent investigation of the Cobdenite project by leading international scholars, this volume provides a new and fascinating insight into one of the nineteenth centurys most important figures.