Agrarian Capitalism and Poor Relief in England, 1500-1860: Rethinking the Origins of the Welfare State [Paperback]

This book examines the evolution of public assistance for the poor in England from the late medieval era to the Industrial Revolution. Placing poor relief in the context of the unique class relations of agrarian capitalism, it considers how and why relief in England in the early modern period was distinct.Introduction: The Extraordinary Case of a 'Law to Force Charity' Capitalist and Precapitalist Societies The Development of Capitalism in England, c.1300-1860 English Poor Relief, c.1350-1795 Speenhamland, Settlement and the New Poor Law Agrarian Class Relations and Poor Relief Outside England Conclusion: Capitalism and the Origins of the Welfare State Notes

'It is a book that encourages reflection, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in economical development and social welfare.' - A. J. Gritt, The Agricultural History Review

LARRY PATRIQUIN is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Social Welfare and Criminal Justice Studies at Nipissing University, North Bay, Canada. He is the author of Inventing Tax Rage: Misinformation in the National Post.