The Condition of the Working Class in England

This influential work by Friedrich Engels explores the dire conditions faced by the working class in Victorian England, highlighting their struggles and advocating for reform.

In The Condition of the Working Class in England, Friedrich Engels presents a detailed examination of the struggles faced by industrial workers during the Victorian era. This seminal work stands out as a comprehensive study, offering insights into the harsh realities of life for the working class in the 1840s. Engels meticulously documents the living conditions, labor exploitation, and social injustices that defined the experiences of these individuals, drawing parallels to the agricultural poverty highlighted by William Cobbett in his earlier work.

Engels not only sheds light on the economic hardships faced by workers but also delves into the broader implications of industrialization on society. He argues that the capitalist system inherently leads to the degradation of laborers, emphasizing the need for social reform and collective action. Through vivid descriptions and compelling statistics, The Condition of the Working Class in England serves as both a historical account and a call to action, urging readers to recognize the plight of the working class and advocate for change.

The book remains a crucial text for understanding the socio-economic landscape of 19th-century England and continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about labor rights and social justice. With its inclusion in the Oxford World's Classics series, readers are provided with not just the text but also valuable scholarly resources, making it an essential read for those interested in the intersection of history, economics, and social advocacy.