The first monograph on this topic since 1961, this book provides an innovative interpretation of the Friendly Societies in Britain from the perspectives on social, gender and political history. It establishes the central role of the Friendly Societies in the political activism of British workers, changing understandings of masculinity and femininity, the ritualised expression of social tensions and the origins of the welfare state.

SIMON CORDERY is a lecturer in history at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, USA. He has published articles in the Journal of British Studies and Labour History Review.