Synopsis
A History Of The Past And Present State Of The Labouring Population Including The Progress Of Agriculture, Manufactures And Commerce, Shewing The Extremes Of Opulence And Destitution Among The Operative Classes. With Practical Means For Their Employment And Future Prosperity. J. D. Tuckett’s historical-economic study surveys the condition and evolution of England’s working classes from ancient times through the medieval era to early modern society. It traces social structures such as slavery, villeinage, and feudalism, the rise of the middle classes, and the growth of crafts and manufactures (wool, silk, iron, glass, paper). The work analyzes poverty and pauperism, the Poor Laws, and the effects of disease, famine, and migration. It critiques monopolies, price controls, and protective tariffs (corn laws), and discusses the development of commerce, transportation (canals, roads, turnpikes, railways), and the impact of machinery on labor. Emphasizing the mutual dependence of capital, labor, and policy, the author argues for employment-focused reforms, freer exchange, and prudent regulation to advance national prosperity. The volume blends historical narrative with statistical illustrations to illuminate how economic forces shape the condition of the laboring population.
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