The 1887 book that introduced many people across the English-speaking world to ancient history from a working-class perspective was published by a Chicago institution that author and beloved broadcaster Studs Terkel called “a precious part of the great heritage of the American labor movement.” The Ancient Lowly: A History of the Ancient Working People from the Earliest Known Period to the Adoption of Christianity by Constantine was written by Illinois-born and raised C. Osborne Ward. For more about Ward and the importance of The Ancient Lowly in educating early 20th century labor activists and socialists, view the “encounter” with author Ward on the website of the Classics & Class project.
This title was among the very first publications brought out by Charles H. Kerr & Company, the oldest radical book publisher in America. According to the company’s own account of its history, the Pullman Strike of 1884 and the Haymarket Affair of 1886 sparked Chicago-based (but Georgia-born) radical activist Charles Kerr’s interest in starting a publishing house. He had experience editing publications as he had relocated to Chicago to join the staff of Unity magazine. Charles H. Kerr & Co had an expansive range of interests when it joined forces with the organized left. Its 1900 catalog promised books “on socialism, free thought, economics, history, hygiene, American fiction, etc.”
Examine the 1900 edition of volume II of The Ancient Lowly .
Charles H. Kerr’s recognition of the significance of Ward’s book might have had something to do with his own personal experience. He studied Romance languages at University of Wisconsin at Madison while his father was chair of the department of classics at the same institution.
(S.S.M)