Intellectual Life of the British Working Classes

A landmark intellectual history of Britains working classes from the preindustrial era to the twentieth century, based on workers memoirs, social surveys, library registers, and other sources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

This is a landmark intellectual history of Britain's working classes from the preindustrial era to the twentieth century. Drawing on workers' memoirs, social surveys, library registers, and more, Jonathan Rose uncovers which books people read, how they educated themselves, and what they knew. A new preface addresses the continuing relevance of the book amidst the upheavals of the present day.

"An astonishing book." - Ian Sansom, The Guardian
"A passionate work of history. . . . Rose has written a work of staggering ambition." - Daniel Akst, Wall Street Journal
Winner of the SHARP Book History Prize, the American Philosophical Society's Jacques Barzun Prize, and the British Council Prize. Cowinner of the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Prize for 2001; named one of the finest books of 2001 by The Economist.

From the preindustrial era to the twentieth century, this is a landmark intellectual history of Britain's working classes. Jonathan Rose, by drawing on workers' memoirs, social surveys, library registers, and more, uncovers which books people read, how they educated themselves, and what they knew. A new preface addresses the continuing relevance of the book amidst the upheavals of the present day.

Ian Sansom, The Guardian, calls the book "astonishing." He praises it as a passionate work of history, describing Rose's writing as "staggering in ambition." Daniel Akst, writing for Wall Street Journal, also lauds the book, calling it a "passionate work of history." He praises Rose's achievement in writing a work of such magnitude.

The book has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. It won the SHARP Book History Prize, the American Philosophical Society's Jacques Barzun Prize, and the British Council Prize. In 2001, it was named the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Prize, and it was also recognized as one of the finest books of that year by The Economist.

The book's significance lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the lives and experiences of Britain's working classes. It sheds light on the reading habits, educational opportunities, and knowledge of these classes throughout different historical periods. By examining the books that people read and the ways in which they acquired knowledge, Rose offers a unique insight into the intellectual and cultural life of the working class.

The new preface to the book, written by Rose, addresses the ongoing relevance of the work amidst the current upheavals and challenges of the present day. He reflects on the enduring themes and issues that the book explores, such as social inequality, labor exploitation, and the struggle for social justice. Rose emphasizes that the book's insights and lessons remain relevant and applicable to contemporary society, as we continue to face similar challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, Jonathan Rose's "The Intellectual Life of the British Working Classes" is a landmark intellectual history that offers a profound and insightful exploration of Britain's working classes from the preindustrial era to the twentieth century. Drawing on a wide range of sources, Rose provides a detailed and comprehensive account of the lives and experiences of these classes, shedding light on their reading habits, educational opportunities, and knowledge. The book's significance lies in its ability to provide a valuable insight into the intellectual and cultural life of the working class, and its enduring relevance amidst the current upheavals of the present day.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 199 x 134 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300257847
Edition number: 3 Revised edition