About this book
First published in 1854, Hard Times is a profoundly moving, articulate and searing indictment of the life-reducing effects of the industrial revolution, and certain aspects of enlightenment thinking. Set in the fictional midlands mill-town of Coketown, the narrative centers on the industrialist, Mr Thomas Gradgrind, whose belief in scientific utilitarianism skews his world view and is a motive force, carrying the narrative towards farce and tragedy. Gradgrind's no-nonsense abhorrence of 'fancy' extends to his implementing an ambitious education scheme that aims to exclude all 'nonsense' and keep the minds of young people focused squarely on facts. The book is ultimately an argument in favor of fancy and radical thinking, and a damning critique of industrial capitalism and its exploitation and repression of the workers whose lives were spent (literally) in sustaining the system.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Title
- Contents
- BOOK THE FIRST SOWING
- Chapter I The One Thing Needful
- Chapter II Murdering the Innocents
- Chapter III A Loophole
- Chapter IV Mr. Bounderby
- Chapter V The Keynote
- Chapter VI Sleary's Horsemanship
- Chapter VII Mrs. Sparsit
- Chapter VIII Never Wonder
- Chapter IX Sissy's Progress
- Chapter X Stephen Blackpool
- Chapter XI No Way Out
- Chapter XII The Old Woman
- Chapter XIII Rachael
- Chapter XIV The Great Manufacturer
- Chapter XV Father and Daughter
- Chapter XVI Husband and Wife
- BOOK THE SECOND REAPING
- Chapter I Effects in the Bank
- Chapter II Mr. James Harthouse
- Chapter III The Whelp
- Chapter IV Men and Brothers
- Chapter V Men and Masters
- Chapter VI Fading Away
- Chapter VII Gunpowder
- Chapter VIII Explosion
- Chapter IX Hearing the Last of It
- Chapter X Mrs. Sparsit's Staircase
- Chapter XI Lower and Lower
- Chapter XII Down
- BOOK THE THIRD GARNERING
- Chapter I Another Thing Needful
- Chapter II Very Ridiculous
- Chapter III Very Decided
- Chapter IV Lost
- Chapter V Found
- Chapter VI The Starlight
- Chapter VII Whelp-Hunting
- Chapter VIII Philosophical
- Chapter IX Final
