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> <p>Preface; Introduction; 1. Samuel Smiles and the Victorian Work Ethic 2. Samuel Smiles and the Origins of the Concept of Self-Help: The Morality of Work and Man’s Place in Society, 1830-1859 3. Self-Help and the Self-Help Tradition 4. Self-Help and After – Biography, Technology and the New Meritocracy 5. Challenge to an Ideal: Socialism and the New Attitude Toward Work 6. Conclusion: The Decline of Self-Help, and the Principles of Authority and Development; Appendix A; A Critical Bibliography; Index</p>