Unbound snaps up Elizabeth Briggs' narrative non-fiction book about Britain’s non-conformist faiths

Unbound has snapped up Dissenters, a narrative non-fiction book about "moral protest" by Elizabeth Briggs.

Freelance commissioner Patrick Galbraith scouted the book and acquired world English rights with publisher John Mitchinson directly from the author.

"Through a series of ‘pilgrimages’, Elizabeth Briggs goes in search of Britain’s non-conformist faiths, the forgotten visionaries who followed them, and the lessons they still have to teach us today," the synopsis says. "Dissenters unearths a host of forgotten faiths whose origins arose from the chaos of the 17th century and Civil War Britain." 

Briggs said: "These obscure, though hugely influential, British faiths were led by visionary young radicals who shared a passionate belief in human potential. Though many of them were put to death or imprisoned, and certainly banned from participating in industry and politics, they played a significant part in overhauling British civic life as we now know it. Bringing these colourful characters to life — from the soberly named Praise-God Barebone to the exiled educator Beatrice Boeke-Cadbury — is an awakening.  

"It is a joy to work with the inspiring team at Unbound. Their model is pioneering and we are looking forward to bringing charity partners including Give a Book into the pledge levels."

Galbraith added: "Some months ago, I was eating cannoli with Elizabeth in a small cafe. As we talked about Quakers, I realised that this book was possible, and it is an extraordinary book that needs to be written now and that only Elizabeth can write. Dissenters promises to be a landmark exploration of social history and religion. It answers so many questions about modern Britain and why things are the way they are."

Mitchinson commented: "We are living through a moment when the world seems to have lost its moral compass. I find it deeply reassuring to be introduced to an alternative history of these islands, one which rejects the machinations of power, money and violence in favour of kindness, faith and community."