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

Set against the backdrop of England's free-market economy in the early 1830s, this collection of 24 short stories addresses pressing social and political issues such as overpopulation, labor conflicts, and the struggles of the working class. Harriet Martineau's work, while viewed as politically radical by some, resonated with readers and influenced future socially aware writers like Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell. The series serves as a poignant commentary on the era's challenges and the human experience within it.