Chapter I: Preface

This book is concerned with Ruskin’s teaching in the departments of Religion and Economics only, including his social reforms and educational schemes. It leaves out all his work on Art and in Natural History and Mineralogy. His thoughts on Beauty in Landscape are treated only so far as that Beauty is damaged by Industrialism or by War. Nor has any attempt been made to produce an analysis of his literary style or styles. The long extracts which the plan of the book requires, however, afford sufficient examples of his artistry in words.

My aim is to give a critical estimate in a reverent spirit of Ruskin’s teaching in these two departments, and to apply it to the needs of our own time.

The development of Ruskin’s religious faith and its final outcome have not, I believe, been fully worked out before, and the reconciliation which I have attempted in the region of Economics is long overdue. These parts of the book have been delivered as lectures in past years under the Manchester and Liverpool University Extension Committees, at Summer Schools, and elsewhere.

I am indebted to Ruskin’s literary executors for permission to quote freely from his works.

J. W. G.

DALTON HALL, MANCHESTER.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. THE SIGNS OF A PROPHET 9

II. THE PILGRIM’S WAY 26

III. TO WHAT FOLD? 55

IV. RUSKIN AND MILL: A RECONCILIATION 78

V. RUSKIN’S RECONSTRUCTION 120

VI. RUSKIN’S ECONOMICS TO-DAY 151

VII. USURY 185

VIII. WAR 203

IX. MACHINERY 222