Making socialists sheds light on several major themes in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century political and educational history. Mary Bridges Adams engaged in a wide range of political activities, and sought to transform government policy through socialist initiatives, with the ultimate aim of creating a social nation. By 1900, she was well known as a campaigner for improvements in working-class education.

The author has assembled a thorough range of sources, including new materials that will bring fresh insights to Labour Party and socialist historiography. Through an appreciation of Mary’s vision, this book provides an examination of areas of experience lost in grander narratives, and offers a fresh set of perspectives on the place of education in the study of British socialism.

Making socialists will interest a wide academic readership, across the fields of political, social and educational history, particularly students and scholars of women’s history and the history of socialism. – .