{"product_id":"samuel-smiles-and-the-victorian-work-ethic","title":"Samuel Smiles and the Victorian Work Ethic","description":"\u003cp\u003eSamuel Smiles is best known for his book \u003ci\u003eSelf Help\u003c\/i\u003e (1859), which many have assumed to be an encouragement to social and financial success. However, Smiles actually argued against the single-minded pursuit of success, and in favour of the protean formation of character as the ultimate goal of life. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 1987, this book examines Samuel Smiles’ ideals of work and self-help against the background of the Victorian work ethic. Drawing on ‘sub-literature’ such as pamphlets, periodicals, novels, works by Dissenting and Anglican ministers, popular ‘success’ and ‘self-improvement’ books, and general literature on the condition of the working classes, it presents a broad range of public opinion and attitudes towards work and in doing so, creates an essential framework and context for Smiles’ popular books.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book will be of interest to those studying Victorian history and ideology.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Taylor \u0026 Francis Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54235562443096,"sku":"9781138644083","price":49.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9781138644083_36221f6f-e66f-4b3c-8ed6-246e6a19ede7.jpg?v=1770162318","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/samuel-smiles-and-the-victorian-work-ethic","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}