Visit to the British National Archives

The several hundreds of documents pulled by Dr. Makdisi were mostly handwritten letters dated in the 18^th century.  The content of the letters enabled us to peer into a compelling period of English history, which is known for its contentious sociopolitical climate.  The French and American Revolutions of the era revealed that common people were capable of achieving radical political change. Examples of the pursuit of change, as well as the suppression of it, are revealed in some of the documents that we held in our hands.  Some more noteworthy documents viewed and handled included an original Thomas Paine publication as well as a statement drafted by the then radical London Corresponding Society, encompassing its aspirations of political reform.  To actually touch, see, (and even smell) these exquisitely written documents, and recognize their historical impact is an experience that I’d deem priceless–and it’s free. 

group photo?  no big deal.