Customs in Common - Softcover

Thompson, E. P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0850366976 ISBN 13: 9780850366976

Publisher: The Merlin Press Ltd, 2010

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.

About this title

Review

"meticulously researched, elegantly argued and deeply humane." New York Times Book Review "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 quite unequalled." The Observer.

About the Author

E.P. Thompson (19241993)was one of England's foremost historians and social critics. He was the author of many books, including The Making of the English Working Class and Witness Against the Beast: William Blake and the Moral Law, published by The New Press."

Edition details

• Publisher: The Merlin Press Ltd
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0850366976
• ISBN 13: 9780850366976
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 547