Despite writing and facilitating what is arguably one of the most relevant 21st century texts on the history of capitalism, Joyce Appleby retains some flaws: namely, her infatuation with contradiction. This love affair with discrepancy presents itself throughout the text, most notably perhaps in her discussion of labor activists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this case, her contradictions payed off, the extent of labor activist’s success was just that, contradictory at times, depending on place, the people fighting for it, historical precedent, and the ultimate good it would do for those in charge (whether that be in government, or business). Along with other countries in Europe, Great Britain saw a substantial uptick in