
audiobook
by Sir Rowland Hill, George Birkbeck Norman Hill
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.
Language
en
Duration
~18 hours (1054K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2019-04-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

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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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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