Sir Rowland Hill: The Story of a Great Reform

by Eleanor C. Hill Smyth

"Sir Rowland Hill: The Story of a Great Reform" by Eleanor C. Hill Smyth is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and contributions of Sir Rowland Hill, focusing particularly on his revolutionary work in postal reform, which introduced the concept of cheap postage and fundamentally changed communication in Britain. This narrative promises to delve not only into Hill's achievements but also into the social implications of the postal system as it existed prior to his reforms. At the start of the narrative, the author sets the stage by detailing the oppressive conditions of the old postal system in Britain, which heavily taxed communication and isolated individuals from their loved ones. The text illustrates the exorbitant costs associated with sending letters—describing various scenarios and anecdotes that highlight the absurdities and harsh realities of the time. It introduces Rowland Hill's family background and his early influences, setting the tone for a story about the necessity of reform in a rapidly changing society, while hinting at the personal motivations that drove Hill to challenge a deeply entrenched and unjust system.