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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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About this listen

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2010 Naxos AudioBooks Classics Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
A great book beautifully illuminated by the narrator. He breathes life into every sentence with an array of voices, humour, pathos, gravitas and even song.

Amazing performance of a classic

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So relevant that, if in a more modern setting, could have been written yesterday ! More people need to read this book !

A superb book !

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The narration is excellent and really carries the story along. The fact that Noonan/Tressell actually lived this story is all too familiar. The Great Money Trick should be taught in schools

A life changing book

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Where does Ragged Trousered Philanthropists   rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top

What did you like best about this story?

Enlightening - enabling us to see how things never really change

Which character – as performed by David Timson – was your favourite?

The children were well performed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely not - very long and somewhat over-written

Any additional comments?

An interesting read, as long as you accept that it is a political manifesto

A Classic which surprises

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So well read by David Timson. His narration in general and his characterisations in particular were hugely enjoyable. It sounds a cliché to say it but he brought Tressell’s book to life.

I read it as a young man, but I was forcibly struck this time by Tressell’s relentlessly bleak portrayal of the privations of the working poor and their systematic and ruthless exploitation at the hands of their so-called betters. One of the saddest parts is Barrington’s encounter with the disillusioned socialist towards the end of the book who, in believing that nothing can be done to bring about the utopia, has become active for the other side. Grim. A timeless book, wonderfully read.

A timeless book, wonderfully read.

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