Subject
Socialists -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert Tressell
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
"The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" by Robert Tressell is a semi-autobiographical novel published in 1914. Set in a fictional English town, it follows house painters struggling to survive on poverty wages while their labor generates profit for employers. The title ironically refers to workers who accept their own exploitation. Through debates and the famous "Great Money Trick" demonstration, socialist painter Frank Owen tries to awaken his fellow workers to capitalism's inequities. A scathing critique of Edwardian society, it became a classic of working-class literature.
George Gissing
Demos
"Demos" by George Gissing is a novel written between 1885 and 1886. When a working-class socialist unexpectedly inherits a fortune, he attempts to create an ideal industrial community based on socialist principles. But wealth and power expose his character flaws, leading him to betray his ideals and those closest to him. As his grand vision crumbles and enemies multiply, his moral corruption spirals toward a violent reckoning that will determine his fate and that of everyone drawn into his orbit.
Allen Upward
A crown of straw
"A Crown of Straw" by Allen Upward is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the romantic undertones and political intrigues surrounding European royalty, particularly focusing on the enigmatic life of Maximilian, the new king of Franconia, after the downfall of his tyrannical father, Leopold IX. With themes of love, power, and rebellion intertwined, the book introduces characters such as the forester’s daughter Dorothea and her cousin Johann, who are drawn into the turbulent political landscape of their time. The opening of the book establishes a tense atmosphere as a group of men in a dimly lit room prepares a pistol, signaling the backdrop of conspiracy and assassination. A key figure, Johann, receives instructions for a mission connected to a royal named Leopold. As the intrigue unfolds, readers learn about the tumultuous relationship between the ruling family and the subjects, highlighting kingship's burdens. The scene transitions to a pastoral setting where Dorothea wonders about her mysterious visitor, the king masks his true identity, and conflicts between familial loyalty and political aspersions emerge, setting the stage for a profound exploration of love and duty amidst a brewing storm of revolution.
Guy Thorne
The Socialist
"The Socialist" by Guy Thorne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life of the young Duke of Paddington, who possesses immense wealth and social status yet finds himself entwined in the socio-political upheavals of his time. As the narrative unfolds, the duke's interactions with those from varying social classes, including his valet and a prominent socialist figure, set the stage for a deeper exploration of class struggle and the transformative power of activism. The opening of the novel introduces John Augustus Basil FitzTracy, the Duke of Paddington, and provides a glimpse into his opulent life, revealing his wealth and status contrasted against the growing discontent among the working class. The duke is a student at Oxford, living in luxury while remaining somewhat detached from the realities of the lower classes he inadvertently affects. A pivotal moment occurs when his valet, Proctor, confronts him about the injustices faced by workers, leading to Proctor's departure as he embraces his own aspirations. This conflict hints at the broader themes of class inequality and social change that will likely permeate the story, setting up tensions that suggest a collision course between the privileged elite and the struggling masses.
Alice Duer Miller
The Beauty and the Bolshevist
"The Beauty and the Bolshevist" by Alice Duer Miller is a novel likely written during the early 20th century, specifically around the time of the 1920s. The story centers on Ben Moreton, an idealistic editor of a radical newspaper, and his tumultuous relationship with his brother David, who is on the verge of marrying a capitalistic heiress, Eugenia Cord. Ben’s journey consists of navigating family loyalty while grappling with political convictions and societal expectations. At the start of the book, the conflict is introduced through Ben's internal struggle regarding David's engagement to Eugenia Cord. As Ben prepares to confront his brother, who seems oblivious to the consequences of such a union, he receives news of the engagement just as tensions rise between his own socialist beliefs and the prevailing capitalist society represented by the Cords. The narrative explores the dynamics within the Moreton family, the clash between social classes, and the emergence of romantic interests, particularly between Ben and Crystal Cord, Eugenia's sister. This opening section establishes a rich foundation for themes of love, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal integrity amidst the looming shadow of class conflict.
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