E.P. Thompson's "The Making of the English Working Class" has significantly influenced intellectual life and the book form's social and cultural history, providing a comprehensive exploration of its impact.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2020
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The Making of the English Working Class by E.P. Thompson

E.P. Thompson's monumental book "The Making of the English Working Class" has had a profound impact on the intellectual lives of generations of readers since its original publication in 1963. This collected volume explores the complex impact of Thompson's book, both as an intellectual project and material object, relating it to the social and cultural history of the book form itself—an enduring artifact of English history.

Thompson's book is a comprehensive study of the social and economic conditions of the English working class in the 19th century, covering a wide range of topics such as labor, politics, religion, and culture. It is widely regarded as a classic of social history and has been influential in shaping our understanding of the working class and its role in society.

One of the key themes of Thompson's book is the idea of class struggle. He argues that the working class has been exploited and oppressed by the ruling class throughout history and that this exploitation has led to a series of social and economic problems, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. Thompson's book provides a detailed analysis of the various strategies that the working class has used to resist exploitation and oppression, including strikes, protests, and political activism.

Another important theme of Thompson's book is the role of the state in shaping the social and economic conditions of the working class. He argues that the state has been used by the ruling class to maintain its power and control over the working class, and that this has led to a series of social and economic problems, including the growth of the welfare state and the decline of the labor movement.

Thompson's book has been widely praised for its analytical rigor and its ability to bring complex social and economic issues to life. It has been translated into numerous languages and has been used as a teaching tool in universities and colleges around the world. However, Thompson's book has also been criticized for its tendency to oversimplify complex social and economic issues and for its tendency to romanticize the working class.

Despite these criticisms, Thompson's book remains a vital and important work of social history. It provides a valuable insight into the social and economic conditions of the English working class in the 19th century and has helped to shape our understanding of the working class and its role in society.

In conclusion, E.P. Thompson's monumental book "The Making of the English Working Class" has had a profound impact on the intellectual lives of generations of readers since its original publication in 1963. This collected volume explores the complex impact of Thompson's book, both as an intellectual project and material object, relating it to the social and cultural history of the book form itself—an enduring artifact of English history.

Weight: 156g
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789204704