The Autobiography of Mother Jones [Paperback]

Mother Jones (Author), Mary Field Parton (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0882861662 | ISBN-13: 978-0882861661 | Edition: 4

In this classic work of American nonfiction the greatest labor organizer in US history details her three quarters century fight for labor's liberation, and her unswerving belief in industrial unionism as the key to that struggle. In steel, railroading, metal mining, textiles, and above all, the coal industry, Mother Jones fought alongside strikers. Here too is the exciting story of her crusade against child labor, her innovative efforts to organize working women, her experiences in court and in jail, and her daring involvement in the Mexican Revolution. Mother Jones' lively narrative—every page bristling with her characteristic humor, indignation, and uncommon sense—is a masterpiece of American radicalism. This abundantly illustrated, new edition includes a host of valuable additions. In a new foreword, Meridel LeSueur vividly recalls her 1914 meeting with Mother Jones. IWW historian Fred Thompson's afterword provides useful background and fills in important gaps in Mother Jones' story. Also included are a Mother Jones article from 1901, a tribute by Eugene V. Debs, an introduction by Clarence Darrow, helpful annotations to the text, a full bibliography, and an index.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is a great piece of working-class literature--indeed, it is probably the most readable book in the whole field of American labor history.--from the Afterword by Fred Thompson"Mother Jones never quailed or ran away. Her deep convictions and fearless soul always drew her to seek the spot where the fight was hottest and the danger greatest." -- from the Introduction by Clarence Darrow

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Charles H Kerr Pub Co; 4 edition (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882861662
• ISBN-13: 978-0882861661
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #691,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Politics > Labor & Industrial Relations
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Economics > Labor & Industrial Relations
  • #88 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Women's Studies > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mother Jones on: Mother Jones, June 14, 2000

By 

"hopage_god_of_all" (USA NH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Autobiography of Mother Jones (Paperback)

A very imformative book about one of the greatest women in history. I am not usually a fan of history, or autobiographies but this is a clear exception. The story of Mother Jones has become an american folk legend and has been twisted and altered by all sides. So the time comes to get it straight from the source. Mother Jones tells her own story in a straight forward, yet moving manner. My favorite part is a particularly heart-wrenching chapter on child labor. Where Mother Jones works in the mills along side young children haggard and overworked at age where nowadays they would barley be in school. The book is composed of numerous unique stories divided neatly into chapters which makes for easy reading, but it is very difficult to just stop at the end of a chapter. You'll find yourself making excuses simply to continue reading this wonderful and motivating tale from the one and only, Mother Jones.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars auto.of Mother Jones, May 1, 2009

By 

Nina Broderick "reader" (california) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Autobiography Of Mother Jones (Hardcover)

Mother Jones was powerful and heart wrenching and an extremely important woman and story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hobo Philosopher, November 6, 2009

By 

Richard E. Noble (Florida Panhandle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Autobiography of Mother Jones (Hardcover)

This was a short book for a woman who had so much life to tell about. Only 3 pages are devoted to her early years. She doesn't even mention her husband's name. She has a sentence or two about her dad, Richard Harris.

Her life, in her opinion, was clearly as a union activist. The book is a compilation of all the strikes she was active in. She was undoubtedly a daring and brave woman. Most interesting is how she managed to organize the women and children of the workers in such unique and adventuresome ways. She lived through a time when America was horrid for working people. She was a bright light for this country along with many other courageous and persecuted labor reformer types.

Thus far in my research of the Labor Movement of the United States, she is only the second to mention Governor Hunt of Arizona and his unique methods for dealing with labor strikes in his state. Philip Foner was the other. Foner gives more detail of the Governor and the strike.

Mother Jones is another "bigger than life character" in American history. This book is a quick read for anyone interested in past labor problems in America but it gives more insight into the labor movement and certain strikes and others involved than into the life of Mother Jones.

Richard Edward Noble - The Hobo Philosopher - Author of:

America On Strike - Labor History