Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.)
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 6 million copies worldwide since it was published, and has the power to change lives.
Robert Tressell: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (Unabridged)
Chapter 1
Bert White…
Owen saw that in the world…
'Funny name to call a house…'
'Yes, it's quite true…'
Crass was by this time very angry…
'The greatest cause of poverty is…'
Joe Philpot…
'What do you mean by poverty then?…'
Chapter 2
Hunter realised now…
'Good afternoon, sir…'
When he arrived within about three yards…
Owen was working by himself…
Linden was still working at the vestibule doors…
Just as Misery was about to commence…
Owen worked on in a disheartened, sullen way…
Chapter 3
The windows were draped…
'Well let's have some tea…'
She took three letters from the pocket of her dress…
'I'm sorry I spoke to you like that…'
Easton added it all up…
They had to go up two flights of stairs…
Chapter 4
As Owen strode rapidly along…
Chapter 5
As she looked at him…
'Do you like cats?' he asked…
Chapter 6
The indignation of the neighbours was increased…
Nearly everyone who works…
'Well, the vicar goes about…'
'I should think the workers will be jolly glad…'
After tea, as he watched his wife…
Under the present system it was impossible…
Then he remembered that he had read somewhere…
Chapter 7
Bert was a lean, undersized boy…
It was very cold and damp and miserable…
Although he had for the moment forgotten…
'If there wasn't something wrong with your minds…'
Chapter 8
There was no work of a noisy kind being done…
Mr. Sweater now began ponderously…
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
A little way down the road was a church…
As they were carrying it in…
Chapter 11
Rushton shook his head dubiously…
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
During the morning…
Easton made no reply…
Chapter 14
Eventually it was arranged…
Chapter 15
While the room was in an uproar…
'It's an old saying, and a true one…'
'But putting all jokes aside…'
'There are many causes' answered Owen…
'Well! I should never a thought it…'
'The Duke of Blankmind…'
'Of course Landlordism is not the only cause…'
Chapter 16
'I won't be able to start on Monday…'
'They all shapes pretty well except Newman…
There was a lot of furious talk…
Chapter 17
When she had finished dressing him…
He also noticed a very fat man…
'Now, I hope you will all do your very best…'
An evil-minded, worldly or unconverted…
Although naturally robust…
Chapter 18
'There is no doubt Owen knows his work…'
'Don't wait for me,' said the latter…
Chapter 19
The only other occupant…
Taking one of the rings…
'You know, there's a great deal…'
Philpot crossed over to the semi-drunk…
After parting from Philpot…
Chapter 20
Few of the girls ever learned their trades thoroughly…
Chapter 1