Description
Josep Roca i Galès
Book Summary
This work offers a concise and rigorous biography of Josep Roca i Galès, a key figure in the introduction of cooperativism in Catalonia during the 19th century. The reader will discover the trajectory of a weaver by trade who, thanks to his solid technical and economic background, became a prominent popularizer of cooperative ideas, a provincial deputy, and a bridge between the working world and the industrial bourgeoisie. An essential portrait for understanding the origins of the Catalan cooperative movement.
What is it about?
The book chronicles the life and work of Josep Roca i Galès (Barcelona, 1828-Gràcia, 1891), a pioneer of cooperativism in Catalonia. Through its pages, it explains how he introduced and disseminated these ideas in the newspaper La Asociación (1866) and how the entity he represented, La Propagadora del Trabajo, became the first Catalan cooperative. It details his political militancy in the Democratic Party and subsequently in the Federal Republican Party, as well as his election as a provincial deputy for Barcelona in 1872, a position from which he defended workers' interests. The work also addresses his facet as the author of the book Un obrero en Fairmount Park, regarding the Philadelphia International Exposition, and his role as a defender of Catalan protectionism, which allowed him to act as a mediator between workers and businessmen through the Centre Industrial de Catalunya.
Main themes
- Origins and history of the cooperative movement in Catalonia.
- Biography of a 19th-century labor leader and self-taught intellectual.
- Relationship between the labor movement, federal republicanism, and economic protectionism.
- The figure of Roca i Galès as a bridge between the working class and the industrial bourgeoisie.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the social and economic history of Catalonia, the labor movement, cooperativism, and biographies of relevant figures in 19th-century social thought. It will also be useful for students and researchers of contemporary history.
What this book contributes
- A detailed portrait of one of the introducers of cooperativism in Catalonia.
- Keys to understanding the articulation of the Catalan labor movement in the 19th century.
- Information on the relationship between politics, economics, and social demands of the time.
- A vision of the mediating role of certain labor leaders between different social classes.
Technical specifications
- Author: GABRIEL PLANA I GABERNET
- Publisher: Eumo Editorial SAU
- Language: cat
- Subject: BIOGRAPHY: GENERAL, BIOGRAPHY: BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
- Collection: COOPERATIVISTES CATA
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: June 2007
- Number of pages: 80
- Weight: 198 g
Editorial assessment
This is a brief but substantial biography that recovers the figure of a pioneer of Catalan cooperativism. The book stands out for its ability to synthesize the life and political trajectory of Josep Roca i Galès, offering the reader a clear view of his historical context and his relevance as a social mediator. It is a reference work for those who wish to know the foundations of the cooperative movement in Catalonia without needing to delve into extensive readings.