The Fabrication of Labor

Book excerpt: "In this exemplary piece of historical sociology, Biernacki demonstrates tremendous theoretical and methodological sophistication as well as the talents of a gifted social historian. He skillfully weaves together theory and history to creatively address central debates in the social sciences."--Ronald Aminzade, author of "Ballots and Barricades: Class Formation and Republican Politics in France, 1830-1871" "A work of major significance in comparative-historical sociology, the sociology of culture, labor history, sociological theory, and the history of economic thought. It is in a class by itself."--Sonya O. Rose, author of "Limited Livelihoods: Gender and Class in Nineteenth-Century England" "A major intellectual event in cultural sociology and labor history. Biernacki's theoretical and methodological sophistication, his lucid style, and his wonderfully detailed empirical research make this book very special."--William Sewell, Jr., author of "Work and Revolution in France"