40 pages • 1 hour read
Friedrich EngelsThe Condition of the Working Class in England
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1845A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels details the author's observations of the harsh impacts of capitalism on workers in 19th-century England, revealing the exploitative conditions imposed by the bourgeoisie. Engels exposes the severe disparities between the wealthy and working classes, discussing technological advancements and how they shape labor dynamics, ultimately urging social change to prevent a revolutionary upheaval. The book includes descriptions of inhumane working and living conditions and the exploitation faced by workers.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Friedrich Engels' The Condition of the Working Class in England is praised for its detailed, empirical examination of 19th-century industrial labor conditions and its passionate advocacy for workers' rights. Critics, however, point out its occasional hyperbole and perceived bias toward Marxist ideology. Overall, it remains a seminal text in labor history and social theory.
Who Should Read The Condition of the Working Class in England?
Readers interested in The Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels would typically be drawn to historical sociology, Marxist theory, and labor history. Comparable works include Karl Marx's Capital and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, appealing to those who seek to understand class struggles and industrial era social conditions.