Samuel Smiles and the Victorian Work Ethic

<p>Samuel Smiles is best known for his book <i>Self Help</i> (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. </p><p>First 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.</p><p>This book will be of interest to those studying Victorian history and ideology.</p>