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The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

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The 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

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.
All stars
Most relevant
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!

all of it!

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Classic and still so relevant. enjoyable from start to finish. Will reread time after time.

Still relevant today

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An insight into modern Britain, written over 100 years ago. Terrifyingly reflective of the world we live in

1908 or 2022?

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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.

Still as relevant today.

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This allegory is amazingly flawed. I was hoping for something to give me a socialist perspective. I was very disappointed.

I was recommended this...

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