Robert Owen and the Commencement of the Millennium: The Harmony Community at Queenwood Farm, Hampshire, 1839-1845

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Manchester University Press, Jul 15, 1998 - Biography & Autobiography - 274 pages
Robert Owen (1771-1858) who advocated the transformation of society through the construction of Communities of United Interest, was personally involved in the implementation of his idea in only two places--in the United States at New Harmony (1825-1827), and in England at Harmony in Hampshire (1839-1845). This book is the first full length study of the latter. Owen's ideas were rooted in his experience as manager at the New Lanark Mills in Scotland, and he never escaped the limitations which this imposed. His ability to enthuse supporters, especially from the working classes, was never matched by an understanding of their democratic aspirations. This, as much as unsound finance, finally destroyed the community. The story is not wholly negative, though, especially after the building of Harmony Hall in 1841. The cultural activities available to adults and the varying experiences of men and women are discussed, along with the education of the children and work on the community's farms.
 

Contents

Daily routine educational establishment Harmony Hall
1
Community aspirations and cooperation 182137
38
Queenwood
65
The community and the wider movement
95
Harmony
118
Agriculture and education
157
page
176
Disharmony
189
Analysis of members occupations at home and in the community 250
5
Geographical origins of community recruits 252
6
Income community fund subscriptions 254
8
Income loans 255
9
Income preference shares 256
10
Summary of income arranged by financial years 257
13
Summary of community balance sheets income October 1841June 1845 258
14
Summary of community balance sheets expenditure October 1841June 1845 259
15

Conclusion
218
Owenite branches and their contributions to the community and general funds 238
Summary of contributions by region 243
3
Members present at the community 183945 244
4
Summary of community internal balance sheets 260
16
Final community balance sheet 262
10
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About the author (1998)

Edward Royle is Reader in History at the University of York.

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