The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

[Goatse]

I'm halfway through this book and it really is the best book I've ever read. I'm not going to spoil it, but basically it's about a group of working class people in the early 20th century, living in England, and particularly about one of them who tries to convince his coworkers of the wrongs of the system. I must admit this book has had me crying... it's so well written. Anyone else read it?

[LeftinOhio]

Yes, I have read it.

I read the abdridged version, which is called "Short Trousers" by the Brits. There is also an original, longer version.

I agree that the narration is good and the text moves along well. I liked how the book is still somewhat relevant, even though it was set, I think, in Edwardian England. There are recognizable types, like the born-again Christian foreman who sided with management, and places, like the workingmans pub with the primitve versions of pinball machines and such.

The famous scene in the book is the "Money Trick", where the protagonist uses a trick with coins to demonstrate socialism, I think.