Books matching: workers' rights
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A passionate, vivid, and substantial history of American labor that’s essential reading for anyone interested in the fight for workers’ rights in the US.
Philip Dray's book 'There Is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America' delves into the history of the American labor movement, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by workers to combat the greed and corruption of big businesses. The narrative is filled with vivid retellings of key events such as the Lowell factories, the Haymarket Massacre, the Pullman Strikes, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire, as well as important figures like Eugene V. Debs, Mother Jones, and Jimmy Hoffa. Dray's writing style paints a compelling picture of the violent past of the labor movement, showcasing the personal courage, sacrifice, and farcical trials that have shaped the fight for workers' rights in America.
The book also sheds light on the connections between labor movements, social justice, and civil rights, emphasizing the importance of unions in advocating for better working conditions and benefits for workers. Through detailed research and exhaustive writing on topics like the battle of Blair Mountain and the federal government's offensives against labor racketeering, Dray presents a comprehensive overview of the struggles faced by American workers from the nineteenth century onwards, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the historical significance of labor in America.
IT SEEMS FITTING THAT ONE OF THE FIRST renowned activists in the titanic struggle between labor and capital on this continent, Sarah G. Bagley, was an unassuming young woman off the farm, initially no...September 2010•817 pages- #2
Save:A landmark American novel that’s both gut-wrenching and uplifting, The Grapes of Wrath remains essential reading for its unforgettable characters and powerful social message. Be ready for a slower pace and some tough moments, but the emotional payoff is worth it.
'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck is set during the Great Depression era and follows the journey of the Joad family as they leave their Oklahoma farm in search of work and a better life in California. The story chronicles the struggles and hardships faced by the family, shedding light on themes of poverty, migration, and the human spirit amidst adversity. The narrative provides a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by working-class families during a time of economic crisis, reflecting on the injustices and hardships of the era.
To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth. The plows crossed and recrossed the rivulet marks. The last rains lifte...1939•596 pages - #3
Save:An accessible and engaging overview of America’s labor strikes - perfect for newcomers to labor history or anyone wanting a fresh angle on U.S. history, but may leave those seeking more depth or balance wanting more.
'A History of America in Ten Strikes' by Erik Loomis is a well-researched account of the history of the labor movement in the United States. The book delves into the significant strikes that shaped the working class, while also discussing broader issues affecting Americans at the time. Loomis highlights the struggles of working men and women uniting to improve their working conditions and personal lives, against the backdrop of the general narrative of US history. The author emphasizes the importance of unions representing the interests of workers and electing officials who support those interests through legislation.
When Christopher Columbus stumbled across the Americas in 1492, he had specific ideas about work, who would do it, and who would benefit. So did the European nations that followed him: Spain and Portu...October 2018•314 pages A thought-provoking, radical retelling of U.S. history that lifts up voices often ignored. Eye-opening but definitely opinionated - take it as a conversation-starter, not the last word.
'A People's History of the United States' by Howard Zinn presents American history through the eyes of the marginalized and oppressed, such as indigenous peoples, slaves, women, workers, and the poor. Zinn challenges the traditional narrative of American history by highlighting the struggles and perspectives of those often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts. The book provides a comprehensive and alternative view of historical events, offering a critical analysis of the foundations of the United States and shedding light on lesser-known rebellions and movements that have shaped the nation.
Zinn's writing style in 'A People's History of the United States' is described as engaging, readable, and well-sourced. Readers find the book to be informative, eye-opening, and thought-provoking, as it delves into the darker aspects of American history that are often omitted or sugar-coated in traditional textbooks. Through detailed accounts and historical facts, Zinn offers readers a different perspective on key events and figures in American history, encouraging critical thinking and a reevaluation of commonly held beliefs about the nation's past.
Arawak men and women, naked, tawny, and full of wonder, emerged from their villages onto the island’s beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. When Columbus and his sailors c...1980•676 pages- #5
Save:Absolutely worth reading for its emotional power, historical insight, and page-turning drama - but brace yourself for a harrowing, unforgettable journey underground.
Emile Zola's 'Germinal' is a powerful novel that delves into the lives of coal miners in Northern France during the 1860s. The book vividly portrays the harsh working conditions, the desperate poverty of the miners' families, and the contrast with the bourgeois managers. Through the lens of a coal miners' strike, Zola explores themes of social injustice, labor movements, and the human struggle for better living conditions. The writing style is described as brutally honest, committed, and unrelenting, capturing the reader's attention with its vivid descriptions and deep exploration of human relationships in the face of adversity.
Out on the open plain, on a starless, ink-dark night, a lone man was following the highway from Marchiennes to Montsou, ten kilometres of paved road that cut directly across the fields of beet. He cou...1885•487 pages - #6
Save:A classic that blends social struggles with a fierce, heartfelt romance - perfect if you love rich character development, historical detail, and Pride & Prejudice vibes, but less so if you want brisk pacing or non-stop drama.
In "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell, the story follows Margaret Hale as she transitions from London society to the industrial town of Milton. The book explores the conflict between the needs of the working class and the factory owners during a strike, with a focus on the Industrial Revolution. The novel delves into themes of integrity, social commentary, and the growth of characters like Margaret and Mr. Thornton as they navigate societal expectations and personal beliefs. Gaskell's writing style is praised for its detailed depiction of life in the fictional town of Milton and its sympathetic portrayal of both the mill owners and the workers.
But, as Margaret half suspected, Edith had fallen asleep. She lay curled up on the sofa in the back drawing room in Harley Street, looking very lovely in her white muslin and blue ribbons. If Titania...1854•526 pages - #7
Save:A gripping, heartfelt historical novel that brings the struggles of early 20th-century laborers - and their larger-than-life champions - to roaring life. Smart, timely, and full of heart.
Set in Spokane and other parts of the Northwest, 'The Cold Millions' by Jess Walter is a historical novel following the lives of two brothers, Gig and Rye, as they navigate the labor movement in the early 1900s. Gig, the older brother, is involved with the IWW while Rye, the younger one, is just trying to survive and find stability. The book weaves together real historical events and characters, such as Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, with fictional elements, showcasing the struggles for workers' rights and the societal divide between the rich and the poor.
The novel delves into themes of labor unrest, police brutality, corruption, and the fight for justice during a tumultuous time in American history. Through the perspectives of multiple characters, including the Dolan brothers and real-life figures like Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, the book explores the complexities of the labor movement and the sacrifices made by those involved.
They woke on a ball field—bums, tramps, hobos, stiffs. Two dozen of them spread out on bedrolls and blankets in a narrow floodplain just below the skid, past taverns, tanners, and tents, shotgun shack...October 2020•382 pages - #8
Save:A landmark novel that shines a harsh light on exploitation and injustice, The Jungle is as impactful as it is intense. Read it for its historical significance and raw storytelling, but brace yourself for a tough, sometimes preachy journey.
In "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, readers are taken on a journey through the harsh realities faced by immigrant workers in the meatpacking industry of Chicago in the early 1900s. The protagonist, Jurgis, and his family struggle to survive in a world filled with corruption, filth, and exploitation. The book vividly describes the deplorable working conditions, political corruption, and the evils of capitalism that the characters endure, ultimately leading Jurgis towards the Socialist movement. The narrative provides a gut-wrenching look at the challenges faced by the working class during a time of urbanization and industrialization, highlighting the need for social and political reform.
IT WAS four o‘clock when the ceremony was over and the carriages began to arrive. There had been a crowd following all the way, owing to the exuberance of Marija Berczynskas. The occasion rested heavi...1905•431 pages - #9
Save:"In Dubious Battle" is a hard-hitting, socially conscious novel that’s a great pick for anyone curious about labor struggles, 1930s America, or the evolution of Steinbeck as a writer - even if it isn’t as nuanced or polished as his masterpieces.
'In Dubious Battle' by John Steinbeck is a novel that delves into the attempt of communist labor organizers in the 1930s to initiate a strike among migrant workers in an apple orchard. The book portrays the personal transformation of Jim Nolan from an alienated individual to a member of the collective, showcasing the struggles and complexities faced by the working classes during the interwar period. Steinbeck's masterful use of colloquial dialog and memorable characterization brings to life the darker lifestyle of the characters involved in the labor dispute.
The story unfolds with Jim Nolan joining forces with union organizer Mac to incite a strike among apple pickers in California. As the strike progresses, the novel explores themes of mob mentality, the clash between noble causes and individual interests, and the brutal consequences of polarized groups. Through vivid storytelling and engaging characters, Steinbeck paints a compelling picture of the tensions and dynamics surrounding labor strife in the 1930s, reflecting on the complexities of social and political ideologies during that era.
AT last it was evening. The lights in the street outside came on, and the Neon restaurant sign on the corner jerked on and off, exploding its hard red light in the air. Into Jim Nolan’s room the sign...January 1936•334 pages Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor by Kim Kelly explores the labor movement in the United States through a fresh and inclusive perspective. Kelly highlights the stories of marginalized communities and emphasizes the intersectionality that has been a core part of labor struggles since their inception. The book is organized by industry rather than traditional historical timelines, making it accessible to readers and emphasizing that these labor challenges resonate across various sectors and time periods.
Kelly's writing style is engaging and straightforward, making complex topics easy to understand. She combines historical narratives with personal stories to inspire readers about the importance of labor rights today. Though it includes critical views on systemic issues like sexism and racism within the labor movement, the overall tone is positive and motivating. This book serves as both a primer for newcomers to labor history and a deep dive for those already familiar with the subject.
2022•448 pages
