The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists
Jan 2018 · Aegitas
5.0star
6 reviewsreport
Ebook
546
Pages
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About this ebook
"The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists" by Robert Tressell is a powerful and unflinching portrait of working-class life in Edwardian England. Through the struggles of a group of house painters in the fictional town of Mugsborough, Tressell exposes the harsh realities of poverty, exploitation, and social injustice under capitalism. The novel weaves together the daily hardships, hopes, and camaraderie of its characters while passionately advocating for labor rights and socialist ideals. Combining vivid detail with sharp satire, this landmark work reveals how systemic inequality is perpetuated—and how ordinary people can dream of a fairer world. More than a century since its publication, the book remains urgent and relevant, inspiring those seeking social change and understanding of class dynamics. It was placed seventy-second in the 2003 The Big Read survey conducted by the BBC.
Dive into Tressell’s moving classic—read "The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists" and experience a story that still sparks debate and compassion today!
Ratings and reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Karl Phillips
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October 7, 2022
little bit longwinded, nothing really changed since those times. Fairly bleak and at some times a tough read, however I believe is is an important piece of literature.
Kathryn Radley
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October 8, 2022
An emotional read. I'll be reflecting on the subject matter and returning to this book in the future.
About the author
Robert Tressell (1870–1911), born Robert Noonan, was an Irish-English activist, house painter, and writer. Having experienced manual labor and precarious employment firsthand, he channeled his insights into "The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists," his only novel. The book was published posthumously and became a cornerstone of working-class literature, noted for its candid depiction of labor exploitation and its call for social reform. Tressell’s legacy endures as a voice for social justice, empathy, and the transformative power of collective action.
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