FRANK, Joseph. The Levellers: A History of the Writings of Three Seventeenth-Century Social Democrats: John Lilburne, Richard Overton, William Walwyn.

(Cambridge, MA): Harvard University Press, 1955.  First edition.  Hardcover.  21.5cm by 15cm.  345 pages.  A historical and literary analysis of the Leveller movement in 17th-century England, focusing on the writings and political ideas of three key figures: John Lilburne, Richard Overton, and William Walwyn. The Levellers were a radical political group active during the English Civil War (1642–1651), advocating for popular sovereignty, legal equality, religious freedom, and democratic reforms. Frank examines the pamphlets, tracts, and arguments of these three thinkers, showing how they contributed to early ideas of civil liberties and government accountability. The book explores how the Levellers challenged the monarchy, Parliament, and traditional hierarchies, calling for a more inclusive political system. Through a detailed study of their writings, Frank presents the Levellers not just as political activists but as intellectual pioneers who laid the groundwork for later democratic thought.  A very good copy, some foxing particularly to endpapers, title-page, in dust jacket.