Ragged trousered philantropists

Nolanger

Has anyone else read this? Is this book the greatest by an Irish writer (Tressell) that receives little acclaim here? It influenced everyone from Orwell to the Kitchen sink writers. Seems strange that no-one mentions it much in this country. Are Irish critics and academics too middle-class to rate it

Moonstomper

It's a great favourite of mine. Even though the more overtly political passages can seem a little preachy at times it's a great read and a hugely influential book within the labour movement. I worked for quite a while on building sites in London and it was amazing how close to reality the book still was. Not perhaps the actual working conditions, but the people and attitudes were still very similar to those described by Tressell. Many of the old tradesmen knew the book well.

I first came across the book in "Borstal Boy". Behan was obviously a big fan. BBC Radio 4 did a dramatisation a few years back, with John Prescott in one of the roles oddly enough.

tHE vAGGABOND

I really think it should be on the leaving cert tbh - its so good in many ways

Its something people should be made read, to see how bad things really were back in the day, before people moan how bad things are now

Malari

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Its something people should be made read, to see how bad things really were back in the day, before people moan how bad things are now

Well, enforced reading lists, I'm not sure but I agree it's a really fascinating read of how things were and how social welfare was needed so badly.

I've recommmended it in the political fiction thread that came up recently.

Denerick

I'll look this up this evening. Sounds interesting.

Red About Town

I have been meaning to read this book for a number of years and I think it will be bought with one of the book vouchers I got for Christmas.

Whippersnapper

Got three quarters of the way through and grew tired of it. I must get back to it and finish it.

Red About Town

Whippersnapper wrote: »

Got three quarters of the way through and grew tired of it. I must get back to it and finish it.

I assume you didn't find it that good?

Blush_01

Picked it up for €3 in HMV last week if anyone is interested in a bargain copy.

It's towards the bottom of the pile though, as there's a room full of books that got there first.

Dizraeligears

Worked for many years as a specialist decorator,and remember reading this at the time.The descriptions of the preparation of paint etc.were fascinating.
There is a memorial to Robert Tressel on Wexford St. across the street from Gunns camera shop or thereabouts-dunno if its still there after all these years...

rebeve

Its a must read .

Deregos

Remarkable book by a remarkable man . .It was given to me as a present many years ago by a good friend, beats Angela's Ashes hands down when it comes to showing the harsh realities of poverty & class discrimination back in the day. Sadly . . I lent my copy to a decorator friend who passed away. . .Must get another one! Book that is . . .Not Friend

Here's a link to The Robert Tressell Society

It shows some interesting pics of the actual work carried out by him on St.Andrews Church (now demolished) in Queens Road, Hastings (Mugsborough) were the book was set.

Nolanger

It was a disgrace that the centenary of his death last week was ignored in Ireland. That's what happens when we live in a country whose history and heritage has been rewritten by dumbed-down academics with blinkers on! Even emailed Dublin City Council to enquire what's been done this year to mark the 100th year of his death but lo and behold - sweet FA!

naasrd

Dizraeligears wrote: »

Worked for many years as a specialist decorator,and remember reading this at the time.The descriptions of the preparation of paint etc.were fascinating.
There is a memorial to Robert Tressel on Wexford St. across the street from Gunns camera shop or thereabouts-dunno if its still there after all these years...

Yeah, it's still there, a stone carving, up above Raliegh bikes.

Denerick

I bought it the other day. Is on my ever growing to-read list.