Ragged Trousered Philanthropists cover art

Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

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Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

By: Robert Tressell
Narrated by: David Timson
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About this listen

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.

Public Domain (P)2010 Naxos AudioBooks Classics Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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This book is as true today as it was nearly one hundred years ago. Extremely well written, you can emphasise with all the characters, they all have their own opinions. It’s definitely an eye opener this book, to what you know and what you think you know.
I read this 30 years ago and couldn’t relate to it. The narrator just made this one of my favourites.

Outstanding narration!

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Being the unabridged version this is a long book. And does labour the point now and again but well worth sticking with as it shows how far things have come. But serves as a timely reminder not to become complacent.

A timely reminder

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It was recommeded to me and I'm so glad I read it. It resonates as much today as it did when first written. The story is as entertaining as the message is powerful!
It should be required reading.

Should be required reading

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what a book, if you are in a union and always wondered what it was all about, or if you have always thought things arent quite right in the world, listen to this. life changing, for the better

great performance

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the book is one of the best books I have read I have a hardback copy and have read it 5 times and listen to it on here about 5 times yes I am a decorator and how people were treated then is similar to how some bosses treat their workers today sneaking up on them expecting to much for no money and treating them like nobody's but all in all the book for me is 10 /10

quality book

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This book should be read in every school. It should be part of the national curriculum.
Oh, but they won't do that will they!
After reading this book no working class person should ever vote Tory again.
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson was a hero to many a working class man but he was just a con man.
The book is as relevant today as it was when it was published.

outstanding

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Few novels have are so well observed and so well written. Even if they are, they are unlikely to stand the test of time as much as the RTP. Tressell was a principled genius. So many of his insights are still scarily urgent. Timson's reading manages to do justice to this great work. It's difficult to think of an audio book performance quite as praiseworthy.

Timeless brilliance, superbly read

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Still hold true today, sadly, over one hundred years later. An important message. Please take time to read.

A must read!!

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So relevant that, if in a more modern setting, could have been written yesterday ! More people need to read this book !

A superb book !

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So well read by David Timson. His narration in general and his characterisations in particular were hugely enjoyable. It sounds a cliché to say it but he brought Tressell’s book to life.

I read it as a young man, but I was forcibly struck this time by Tressell’s relentlessly bleak portrayal of the privations of the working poor and their systematic and ruthless exploitation at the hands of their so-called betters. One of the saddest parts is Barrington’s encounter with the disillusioned socialist towards the end of the book who, in believing that nothing can be done to bring about the utopia, has become active for the other side. Grim. A timeless book, wonderfully read.

A timeless book, wonderfully read.

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