The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

"The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" is a novel by Robert Tressell, published in 1914. It tells the story of a group of working-class builders in early 20th-century England, highlighting their struggles, hardships, and the exploitative nature of capitalism. Through the characters' dialogues, Tressell critiques social inequality and advocates for socialism, emphasizing the need for workers to unite against oppressive systems. The novel combines fiction with political commentary, making it a significant work in labor literature and providing insight into the lives and thoughts of ordinary workers during that era.