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The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
- Narrated by: David Timson
- Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
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The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
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Editor reviews
This 1914 political novel "of 12 months in hell, told by one of the damned" caustically depicts the plight of English workers, whom the author views as unwittingly complicit in their own exploitation. It's more heartfelt polemic than literature. Blind to their situation, these inadvertent "philanthropists" argue endlessly about it with confrere Frank Own, a clear-eyed socialist. Narrator David Timson excels at the regional and working-class accents the novel calls for. Perhaps of greater importance, he delivers the dialogue and frequently sardonic narrative with the fervor and outrage of a concerned eyewitness. A historically important novel enhanced by a fine oral performance.
Summary
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is the classic working-class novel. It was written in 1906 by an impoverished house painter, Robert Tressell, and within its framework contains a manifesto for socialism. It tells of the appalling working conditions of a group of painters and decorators and their struggle to survive at the most basic level. It is moving, grimly humorous, and tragic. It has sold over six million copies worldwide since it was published, and it has the power to change lives.
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What listeners say about The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jessica Walker
- 13-04-23
Still as relevant today.
An important, but upsetting listen. How sad that the same problems persist nearly 120 years later, and we still hear the same arguments against socialism as were being made during Tressell’s time.
I did find I had to persevere somewhat through the first chapter, but it became much more of an easy listen after this, once the story of each character was introduced.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ged H.
- 04-08-22
1908 or 2022?
An insight into modern Britain, written over 100 years ago. Terrifyingly reflective of the world we live in
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M. Phillida Workman
- 14-01-24
all of it!
I have read this book so many times & it never fails to cheer me up although many of the things described are still here today!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peter
- 13-07-17
Still relevant today
Classic and still so relevant. enjoyable from start to finish. Will reread time after time.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- TheFantastic
- 14-11-17
I was recommended this...
This allegory is amazingly flawed. I was hoping for something to give me a socialist perspective. I was very disappointed.
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1 person found this helpful