Peter Rachleff Livres

"The best study yet written about the ex-slave as urban wage-earner. It is essential reading for students of Afro-American and working-class history." -- Herbert Gutman / "This book shows that black and white workers could act together and that a working-class reform movement, at least in one southern city, could challenge the existing status quo. . . . Rachleff presents an interesting story of social, economic, and political intrigue in a post-Civil War urban environment where class was pitted against class and race against race." -- C. K. McFarland, Journal of Southern History

The book features striking photography capturing industrial labor across Minnesota, from foundries to modern factories. David Parker highlights the collective experience of workers in various plants, showcasing their environments and interactions. Interviews provide insights into workers' perspectives on healthcare, union activities, and globalization. An appendix offers historical context and details on each workplace, emphasizing the ingenuity behind everyday production. This work serves as a tribute to the dedication of those who contribute to essential industries and the culture of labor.