The Development of the Mechanics Institute Movement in Britain and Beyond questions the prevailing view that mechanics institutes made little contribution to adult working-class education from their foundation in the 1820s to 1890. The book traces the historical development of several mechanics institutes across Britain and reveals that many institutes supported both male and female working-class membership before state intervention at the end of the nineteenth century resulted in the development of further education for all.

This book presents evidence to suggest that the movement...