Synopsis
A companion volume to The Making of The English Working Class, extending the studies there to include the examination of plebeian culture, working class consciousness, and industrial life. E. P. Thompson's main thesis is that in 18th century England there was a tacit agreement of social behaviour and stability between the gentry and the poor. Both were allowed to take certain measures to achieve their aims--the gentry did it via the parliament, and the poor via civil disobedience. Most interestingly, however, was the symbolic struggle, or cultural struggle--what E. P. Thompson calls the theatre and counter-theatre. The theatre meant the social attitudes--the gentry had its wigs, its fancy outfits, and its arrogant attitude, and the poor had its popular culture. This was a way to channel power and discontent through cultural manifestations.
Revue de presse
"By providing a fuller sense of the way of life capitalism destroyed, Customs in Common helps us understand why the resistance to it was so protracted and tenacious. [This] long-awaited collection is a signal contribution [from] the person most responsible for inspiring the revival of American labor history during the past thirty years."
Michael Merrill, The Nation
"This book signals the return to historical writing of one of the most eloquent, powerful and independent voices of our time. At his best he is capable of a passionate, sardonic eloquence which is unequalled."
Keith Thomas, The Observer (London)
"Customs in Common is meticulously researched, elegantly argued and deeply humane."
New York Times Book Review" --New York Times Book Review<
Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.