The Chartist Fiction of Ernest Jones

A detailed, historically-grounded study of the fiction written by renowned Chartist leader, Ernest Jones. In this comprehensive study, Stephen Knight documents the writing career of Ernest Jones, one of the primary figures within the Chartist movement.While much has been said about Ernest Jones as a political leader and activist, little attention has been paid to his fiction. This study delves deep into this body of work, analyzing the novellas, short stories, and novels penned by Jones throughout his career. Knight expands upon this fiction in detail, exploring and contextualizing the social and political themes that develop through each narrative. The chapters further examine the recurrent use of Jones’s characteristic analytic comments on the politics of his world. Those interested in 19th century British history and literature will not only learn about Jones’s fictional contributions to the Chartist movement, but also will glean new insights into tthe radical and political fiction of the period.