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Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

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Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

By: Robert Tressell
Narrated by: David Timson
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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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Public Domain (P)2010 Naxos AudioBooks Classics European Political Science Politics & Government Women World Literature Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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This book is as applicable today as it was when it was written. A fabulous book but very frustrating, I never tire of it. The audible book is excellent I picked up on bits which I had missed when reading it.

things don't change

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Everyone should read this book, it tells the story of how capaltlisim is failing and how socialism will work.

The best book ever.

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I loved this book and its sentiments, but Audible has presented it in a jumbled fashion meaning I missed the middle and have had to go back and find it myself. the chapters do not correspond with the chapters of the book and are in the incorrect order. a crying shame.

a great book, but jumbled.

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Unapologetically left wing rant at the state of the nation during the early part of the 20th century.

Excitingly narrated working class literature.

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Narration was perfect, lots of variation in the tone and dialect of the characters speech. Once involved in the story, a colourful depiction of life, hardship and exploitation as was faced by building workers over a century ago.

Sets out the premises for socialism and one can see how optimistic that Robert Tressell was that things could and would get better. if only the workers could understand the concept without being prejudiced against it by habit is a strong moral of the story.

Personally I think the socialist ethos has been watered down of late and diluted with a milliue of political side issues and I wouldn't like to see it implemented due to this. However the constant advance of more legal protection and improvement of British manual workers conditions owes in part to this story and long may this continue.

A long story, but overall a powerful message.

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