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Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
- Narrated by: David Timson
- Length: 23 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
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This book is important
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Summary
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.
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What listeners say about Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Performance
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- The chillout consultant
- 23-02-16
Amazing performance of a classic
A great book beautifully illuminated by the narrator. He breathes life into every sentence with an array of voices, humour, pathos, gravitas and even song.
23 people found this helpful
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- Kas
- 12-09-15
A Classic
It's interesting to listen to something that was written almost a century ago and hear a tale that still has echoes within today's times. Narration is superb, and the book has a great array of characters that there's never a dull moment. It doesn't matter which side of the political fence you are on, you will find this an intriguing window into the times in which it was written. Agree, disagree, makes no odds - it is a well constructed piece of writing. I found it highly entertaining, and have gained quite an insight into my own beliefs and values. Highly recommended.
13 people found this helpful
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- Claire
- 07-04-13
A bible for today's working class
Coming to this again inaudible format was a fantastic find. It is excellently narrated and can be both consumed in bite sized chunks or at one sitting. If you want a clear, humorous and fascinating insight into the real causes of inequality and the sadness of people's wish to remain duped, get listening today you wont regret it.
11 people found this helpful
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- Gary
- 07-09-15
The best book ever.
Everyone should read this book, it tells the story of how capaltlisim is failing and how socialism will work.
9 people found this helpful
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- Lynn
- 02-03-13
things don't change
This book is as applicable today as it was when it was written. A fabulous book but very frustrating, I never tire of it. The audible book is excellent I picked up on bits which I had missed when reading it.
14 people found this helpful
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- Mrs P
- 17-03-19
A must read!!
Still hold true today, sadly, over one hundred years later. An important message. Please take time to read.
6 people found this helpful
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- Joe
- 06-02-19
a great book, but jumbled.
I loved this book and its sentiments, but Audible has presented it in a jumbled fashion meaning I missed the middle and have had to go back and find it myself. the chapters do not correspond with the chapters of the book and are in the incorrect order. a crying shame.
6 people found this helpful
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- Arnold Cossor
- 24-12-15
Superb
This is a superb book outstandingly read. Certain ideas may seem dated and even wrong to the listener but it is a fascinating storey which captures a part and view of history increasingly being lost .
6 people found this helpful
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- John
- 31-08-13
A Working Class Struggle Classic
If you could sum up Ragged Trousered Philanthropists in three words, what would they be?
This book brings to life a glimpse of the struggles of a working family in Edwardian England. It is written with grit and tenderness in equal measure!
8 people found this helpful
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- David Rathe
- 08-05-20
Is it so different today?
I have previously read this book many years ago. On listening to it again, while clearly there have been improvements in the life of "the working class" since this book was written, the existence today of zero hour contracts; so called self-employed earning less than the minimum wage; the need for food banks; the demise of union influence leads me to conclude that many of the issues are still with us.
3 people found this helpful
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- meikota rigge
- 12-04-18
Loved it
Great narrator, easy to listen to and entertaining. Heartbreaking and heartwarming story that should be read by everyone!
2 people found this helpful
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- JJL
- 20-06-19
If only....
If only Tressell would have had access to macro-economics textbook, this book would have never been written. Perhaps he would have graced us all with a murder mystery as he undoubtedly maintains a masterful command of the written word.
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- Virginia Waldron
- 20-10-17
A Sermon on Socialism
A tedious waste of time. The narrator did a fine job with material that was utterly tiresome.
1 person found this helpful