Child Labour in Britain, 1750-1870 (Social History in Perspective (Palgrave Paperback)) [Paperback]

Peter Kirby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0333671945 | ISBN-13: 978-0333671948

Peter Kirby's analytical survey of child labor during the industrial revolution asserts that the concentration by some historians and social commentators upon small numbers of industrially-employed children has diverted attention from the important role of the working child within the context of the family, the labor market and the state. Kirby convincingly argues that during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, child labor provided an invaluable contribution both to economic growth and to the incomes of working-class households. The book also discusses the major issues involved in the study of children's employment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is an exceptionally well argued and student-friendly book. It brings out core issues, and adds important new interpretive perspectives.' - Dr Steven King, Oxford Brookes University 'Excellent, readable survey of debates and literature.' - Michael Winstanley, Lancaster University 'A very good concise introduction to the sources, historiography and outstanding issues.' - Dr Jane Humphries, All Souls College, University of Oxford 'The book is aimed at both teachers and students, and no one can fail to learn much from it; Kirby is abreast of the most recent literature and research.' - Hugh Cunningham, The English Historical Review 'The book is to be recommended as a well-informed and wide-ranging introduction to its subject.' - Colin Heywood, Economic History Review 'A succinct summary of current thinking on the child labour issue during such a crucial period in Britain's industrial development.' - Pamela Horn, History of Education 'I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the subject, especially those seeking an easily digestible introduction to the topic.' - Andrew Gritt, Local Population Studies

About the Author

Peter Kirby is Lecturer in Economic History at the University of Manchester.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (October 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0333671945
• ISBN-13: 978-0333671948
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,290,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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