“A remarkable story that moves from nineteenth-century England to today’s global ecological concerns around fast fashion.” —Times Literary Supplement Starting in the early 1800s, shoddy was the name given to a new material made from reclaimed wool, and to one of the earliest forms of industrial recycling. Old rags and leftover fabric clippings were ground to bits by a machine known as “the devil” and then reused. Usually undisclosed, shoddy—also known as reworked wool—became suit jackets, army blankets, mattress stuffing, and much more. Shoddy is the afterlife of rags. And Shoddy, the book, reveals hidden worlds of textile intrigue. Hanna Rose Shell takes us on a journey from Haiti to the “shoddy towns” of West Yorkshire in England, to the United States, back in time to the British cholera epidemics and the American Civil War, and into agricultural fields, textile labs, and rag-shredding factories. The narrative is both literary and historical, drawing on an extraordinary range of sources from court cases to military uniforms, mattress labels to medical textbooks, political cartoons to high art, and bringing richly drawn characters and unexpected objects to life. Along the way, shoddy becomes equally an evocative object and a portal into another world. Shell exposes an interwoven tale of industrial espionage, political infighting, scientific inquiry, ethnic prejudices, and war profiteering, and shows how, over the past century, the shredding “devil” has moved from wool to synthetics such as nylon stockings and Kevlar. The use of the term “virgin” wool emerged as an effort by the wool industry to counter shoddy’s appeal: to make shoddy seem . . . well, shoddy. Over time, the word would become a synonym for “inferior” and describe a host of personal, ethical, commercial, and societal failings. And yet, there was always, within shoddy, the alluring concept of regeneration—of what we today think of as conscious clothing, eco-fashion, or sustainable textiles. “In a brilliantly quixotic, scholarly rich, fabulously illustrated trek, Shell guides readers through the history of the reprocessing of used clothing and textiles, reflecting on human ornament, fears of contagion (think of the associations of ‘shoddy’ versus ‘virgin’ wool), and the evolution of a vast industry.” —Harvard Magazine “The fascinating story of how a respectable textile product became synonymous with all things inferior . . . . a fun ride.” —Washington Independent Review of Books

Explores the many ways in which Anthony Trollope is being read in the twenty-first centurySince the turn of the century, the Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope has become a central figure in the critical understanding of Victorian literature. By bringing together leading Victorianists with a wide range of interests, this innovative collection of essays involves the reader in new approaches to Trollope's work. The contributors to this volume highlight dimensions that have hitherto received only scant attention and in doing so they aim to draw on the aesthetic capabilities of Trollope's twenty-first-century readers. Instead of reading Trollope's novels as manifestations of social theory, they aim to foster an engagement with a far more broadly theorised literary culture.Key Features:The most innovative collection of original essays on Anthony Trollope to dateEnables the reader to see the direction of Trollope studies and Victorian studies in the twenty-first centurySituates Trollope's work in newly emerging critical contexts, such as media networks and economicsMakes use of pioneering developments in stylistics, ethics, epistemology, and reception history

Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

The history of American Judaism in the years after the Civil War

In 'Ferdinand of Bulgaria: The Amazing Career of a Shoddy Czar' by Anonymous, the reader is taken on a captivating journey through the tumultuous reign of Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. The book delves into the political intrigue, scandals, and power struggles that defined Ferdinand's rule, all narrated in a gripping and engaging style. The author skillfully weaves together historical facts with vivid storytelling, bringing to life the complex personality of this controversial leader. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the book provides valuable insights into the socio-political landscape of the time, shedding light on the challenges faced by Ferdinand and his impact on Bulgarian history. Anonymous' meticulous research and attention to detail make this book a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intricacies of royal governance.

From an author praised for her “genuinely perceptive portrayals of human relationships,” a historical romantic saga set in the years prior to WWI (Irish Independent). Bright Maguire—poor, beautiful and kind—is the youngest member of a large Irish clan. Nat Prince is the illegitimate son of a prostitute, growing up on poverty-stricken streets. When Bright brings Nat into the bosom of her loving family, things look better for the young man. But Nat will risk anything to make his fortune. Ever the opportunist, his colorful adventures take him across the world, while Bright struggles to survive the suffering he has left behind. Although their love is destined never to die, it seems there is a conspiracy to keep Nat and Bright apart . . . Rich in atmosphere and full of highly memorable characters, Shoddy Prince is a heart-warming saga of love, ruthlessness and courage, perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs, Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale. Praise for the writing of Sheelagh Kelly: “The tough, sparky characters of Catherine Cookson, and the same sharp sense of destiny, place and time.” —Reay Tannahill, author of Fatal Majesty and Sex in History “Sheelagh Kelly surely can write.” —Sunderland Echo