The Intellectual Life of the British Working Classes

Presents the history of the British working classes from the preindustrial era to the twentieth century. This title discovers which books people read, how they educated themselves, and what they knew. It includes a preface that uncovers the author's journey into labour history, and its link to intellectual history.

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Now in its second edition, this landmark book provides an intellectual history of the British working classes from the preindustrial era to the twentieth century. Drawing on workers’ memoirs, social surveys, library registers, and more, Jonathan Rose discovers which books people read, how they educated themselves, and what they knew. A new preface uncovers the author’s journey into labor history, and its rewarding link to intellectual history.