Illustrations of Political Economy, Vol. IV (in 9 Volumes)

Set against the backdrop of England's free-market economy in the early 1830s, this collection of 24 short stories highlights pressing social and political issues such as overpopulation and the struggles between workers and factory owners. Harriet Martineau's work, while deemed politically radical by some, resonated deeply with readers and influenced future socially aware writers like Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell. The stories provide a poignant exploration of the hardships faced by the working class during this transformative period.