At war against Napoleon near bankrupt English mill-masters experiment with a new factory system acquiring machines to replace men. A young worker leads the Luddites attacking mills and smashing machines. With increased assaults and even murder North England feels the grip of terrorism. Government agents attempt to suppress the rebellion. In 1812 there are more British troops in North England than fighting Napoleon in Europe. Against the Machine relates the story of the diverse characters caught in this conflict. It unveils the rank exploitation which marked the Industrial Revolution.
"[The] multifaceted approach to the issues of the novel is what makes it so powerful ...The themes of revolution and machines are apt for our times. ... it is this parallel between the present and the past that makes Against the Machines: Luddites a must-read in 2020."
Will Fawley
"... visionary in its scope, illuminating humanity's eternal struggle with wars and ideologies ... The research is impeccable, the details fascinating. The true meaning of "terrorism" is demonstrated together with its techniques. This is educational movie material."
Amanda Hale
"This book brings the plight of the mill-workers to life ... Van Norman did a fantastic job of humanizing their conflict ... the author asks his reader to look below the still surface of our history and come face to face with reality."
