Love and the Working Class

Love and the Working Class offers an intimate glimpse into the emotional lives of 19th-century American laborers through their personal letters. By examining correspondence from 1830 to 1880, the book reveals how working-class individuals experienced love, courtship, and marriage, expressing their hopes, humor, and resilience. These stories provide a powerful window into the feelings and relationships of racially diverse, minimally schooled Americans striving for connection and meaning amid their challenging lives.