The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the History of Penny Postage, Vol. 1 (of 2)

audiobook

The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the History of Penny Postage, Vol. 1 (of 2)

by Sir Rowland Hill, George Birkbeck Norman Hill

EN·~18 hours

Chapters

Description

This volume offers an intimate portrait of the man who reshaped Britain’s mail system in the mid‑19th century. Through Hill’s own recollections and the careful guidance of his nephew, listeners hear how a modest idea—to let a letter travel for a single penny—grew into a nationwide revolution. The early chapters trace his upbringing, his civil‑service career, and the moments that sparked his determination to make communication affordable for all.

Beyond the personal narrative, the book weaves in official reports, correspondence, and the broader social context that made the penny post possible. Hill’s editorial hand, combined with the nephew’s meticulous revisions, creates a clear, chronological account while preserving the spirit of the original memoirs. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation of the challenges and ingenuity behind one of the world’s most enduring public‑service achievements.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~18 hours (1054K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2019-04-29

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the authors

Sir Rowland Hill

Sir Rowland Hill

1795–1879

Best known for transforming the British postal system, he helped make cheap, prepaid mail a reality and changed everyday communication far beyond Britain. He was also an educator, inventor, and public servant with a practical mind for reform.

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George Birkbeck Norman Hill

George Birkbeck Norman Hill

1835–1903

Best known for bringing Samuel Johnson and James Boswell back to life for modern readers, this Victorian scholar combined exacting research with a real feel for literary history. His editions helped shape how generations of readers encountered some of the 18th century’s most celebrated writers.

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