Radical Artisans in England and France, 1830-1870 [Hardcover]

Iorwerth Prothero (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0521582997 | ISBN-13: 978-0521582995 | Edition: 1St Edition

The focus of this unique comparative study is on political radicalism at its high point around the middle of the nineteenth century, but broad topics such as trade unionism, cooperation, socialism, and religion are also examined in depth. The author argues that French and English radicalism did not stem directly from or reflect work and workplace relations, but instead drew upon work groups and organizations, material concerns, or social and religious groups. Radicalism, he argues, was part of everyday social life, the daily concerns of which affected its practice--though usually not its programs. Radicalism was also characterized by cultural diversity, although actual forms of organization and action usually depended strongly on the political context and strategic choices. The book also offers reinterpretations of specific developments and actions in both countries.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In this superb study Prothero investigates the richness and complexity of 19th-century artisan radicalism....The author demonstrates that at the very time Marx claimed that being determines consciousness, nothing could have been further from the truth." Choice

"...Prothero has produced an important and informative book that historians will read with profit. Prothero offers the most comprehensive and thorough examinations of French and English radicalism yet written." Michael D. Sibalis, Canadian Jrnl of History

"...it is one that all historians conversant in the subject will wish to read." Marc W. Steinberg, Journal of Interdisciplinary History

Book Description

This is a unique comparative study, based on many years of research in French and British archives. While the main focus is on political radicalism in England and France around the middle of the nineteenth century, topics such as trade unionism, co-operation, socialism, popular culture and religion are also examined in depth. It therefore offers a major resource for anyone interested in the complex and diverse origins of modern political life and leads to many reinterpretations..

Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1St Edition edition (September 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521582997
• ISBN-13: 978-0521582995
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,852,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.