E.P. Thompson's The Making of the English Working Class is a monumental and influential work of social history that redefines our understanding of early industrial Britain.
The book traces the complex emergence of a distinct working-class consciousness from 1780 to 1832, focusing on the lived experiences, culture, and political struggles of ordinary people rather than just economic forces. Thompson explores the impact of the Industrial Revolution, the rise of radical movements, and the formation of working-class identity through vivid detail and compelling narrative.
This seminal text challenges conventional historical interpretations, emphasizing the agency of the working class in shaping their own destiny and the broader social landscape.