This book examines the rise and diffusion of Guild Socialism in the early 20th century, to explain how the idea gained prominence both in Britain and on a global scale during this period. Tracing the ways in which it carved out a unique position from state socialism and revolutionary syndicalism, Broughton shows how the movement won the support of well-known figures on the left such as G.D.H. Cole, Samuel Hobson, Karl Polanyi and Bertrand Russell, and considers the under-researched role of the National Guilds League (1915-23) in its success.

Arguing that Guild Socialism reached not only British intellectuals or leftists, but was also popular internationally among a wide range of actors across class, ethnic and gender lines, it brings fresh perspectives to conventional scholarship and the usual cast of male middle-class intellectuals. Bringing to light the involvement of a large number of men and women from working-class and middle-class backgrounds who contributed to this movement, the book shows how these diverse groups created and adapted knowledge in practices such as house building, farming, office work and cricket-ball making. In doing so, Guild Socialism and the Global Twentieth Century demonstrates the varied meanings of Guild Socialism and how it was shaped by different forms of knowledge.