Cottage Economy, to Which is Added The Poor Man's Friend

"Cottage Economy; to Which is Added The Poor Man's Friend" by William Cobbett is a handbook from the 1800s that guides working-class families on how to be independent and successful. It teaches them how to manage their homes by doing things like making their own beer and bread, and raising animals. Cobbett believes people should go back to older ways of doing things so they can take care of themselves and live better lives. He starts off by saying it's important to be self-sufficient and questions how society deals with work and being poor. He thinks being "economical" means being smart about how you use what you have to help your family and your country. For example, he argues that brewing beer at home can help families avoid buying bad, costly beer from stores. Cobbett speaks clearly and with strong feeling, encouraging workers to stand up for themselves and manage their own money.