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

Set against the backdrop of England's free-market economy, this collection of 24 short stories addresses critical social and political issues such as overpopulation, labor conflicts, and the struggles of the working class. Harriet Martineau's work, while deemed politically radical by some, resonated deeply with readers and significantly influenced later socially conscious writers like Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell. The stories not only reflect the era's challenges but also serve as a poignant commentary on the human condition.