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laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
Despite being asked to only read four chapters from Engels' study of the working-class, I thought I should probably read it all. I love studying the class dynamics of Victorian England, and thought it was stupid not to read it in its entirety. I now have a rounded view of the relationship between the working-class and the bourgeoise in this century, and I feel like I can explore this further when I read other Victorian novels.
I must admit, this was a very hard read. In the end, though, it was also very rewarding. It took me a while to make my way through; it occasionally took me an hour to read just one chapter (but, I think, that was because I was underlining and making notes at the same time). I thought I already knew quite a bit about this relationship, but I actually learnt so much. I looked at the proletarian in agricultural districts, mining districts, in factory settings, and more. I looked the Irish and their relationship with the English workers and bourgeoise. I looked at the conditions of the working-class, both in cities and in houses. There was so much packed into this.
I was constantly fascinated by this study. I will say, however, that Engels does repeat himself a lot, which can quickly grow irritating. Also, some of the things he says are quite questionable. For example, I really didn't like the way he ended his study by saying 'I hope that […] no word which I have said of the English bourgeoisie will be thought too stern' - what???? Why do you care if you offended the bourgeoise when you've spent all your study bringing light to their mistreatment? You cannot be neutral on this ground.
Anyway, an enjoyable and insightful read.
I must admit, this was a very hard read. In the end, though, it was also very rewarding. It took me a while to make my way through; it occasionally took me an hour to read just one chapter (but, I think, that was because I was underlining and making notes at the same time). I thought I already knew quite a bit about this relationship, but I actually learnt so much. I looked at the proletarian in agricultural districts, mining districts, in factory settings, and more. I looked the Irish and their relationship with the English workers and bourgeoise. I looked at the conditions of the working-class, both in cities and in houses. There was so much packed into this.
I was constantly fascinated by this study. I will say, however, that Engels does repeat himself a lot, which can quickly grow irritating. Also, some of the things he says are quite questionable. For example, I really didn't like the way he ended his study by saying 'I hope that […] no word which I have said of the English bourgeoisie will be thought too stern' - what???? Why do you care if you offended the bourgeoise when you've spent all your study bringing light to their mistreatment? You cannot be neutral on this ground.
Anyway, an enjoyable and insightful read.
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