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Theodore Dalrymple

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Life at the Bottom: The Worldview That Makes the Underclass Paperback – 8 Mar. 2003

by Theodore Dalrymple (Author)

4.6 1,843 ratings

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A searing account of life in the underclass and why it persists as it does, written by a British psychiatrist.

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A landmark experience is reading Life at the Bottom...

Brilliant social analysis...a master chronicle of life at the bottom.

Dalrymple's vivid writing and often heartbreaking stories rise above his deeply felt social analysis.

It is a truism that ideas have consequences, but a truism is rarely illustrated as implacably as in this book.

Lucid, unsentimental, and profoundly honest...Dalrymple is one of the great essayists of our age.

Mr. Daniels's best essays cast a spell almost from the opening line.

Once in a long while a writer comes along with a vision so powerful that it shakes you. Theodore Dalrymple is that kind of writer.

Theodore Dalrymple is the best doctor-writer since William Carlos Williams.

This devastating account and analysis of underclass life-and the elite ideas which support it-is a classic for our times.

Truthful-therefore morally courageous and intellectually rigorous.

About the Author

Theodore Dalrymple is a physician and psychiatrist who practices in England. He writes a column for the London Spectator, contributes frequently to the Daily Telegraph, and is a contributing editor of the Manhattan Institute's City Journal. His other books include Our Culture, What's Left of It, Mass Listeria, and So Little Done. He lives in Birmingham, England.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1566635055
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ivan R. Dee; Reprint edition (8 Mar. 2003)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781566635059
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1566635059
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14.78 x 1.85 x 22.56 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 134,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 723 in Multicultural Studies
- 853 in Anthropology & Sociology Biographies
- 3,456 in World History (Books)

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4.6 1,843 ratings

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Customers find the book insightful and informative. They describe it as an excellent page-turner with well-written, articulate, and concise writing. The humor is described as harsh, true, and amusing. Opinions differ on the pacing - some find it gritty and intelligent, while others consider it depressing and lacking in depth.

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Thought provoking Readability Writing quality Humor Pacing

32 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’29 positive3 negative

Customers find the book insightful, informative, and interesting. They say it's well-written and provides a different perspective on current events. The topics are relevant to modern times and the writing is clear.

"...It was written well and gave me a different perspective. Some of the points were well made and grounded in experience as opposed to data or theory...." Read more

"...This is a pity because the book provides a brilliant and persuasive argument for his thesis that the problem is the denial of human agency...." Read more

"...Very interesting but disturbing to read where our country is heading!!! Bring back National Service to save the UK!" Read more

"...up to my high expectations in every way - well written, gritty, intelligent and relentlessly honest...." Read more

26 customers mention ‘Readability’26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and insightful. They describe it as an excellent page-turner with shocking examples. The book is considered essential reading for parents, educators, and anyone interested in education.

"...This is a pity because the book provides a brilliant and persuasive argument for his thesis that the problem is the denial of human agency...." Read more

"...Good book but too much like a anti Welfare State Soundbite and attack on the Poor." Read more

"A very good, and revealing depiction of a world that most middle-class people do not see, but that the author has had direct contact with...." Read more

"...That being said, the book is definatley worth a read...." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Writing quality’21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it articulate, concise, and engaging. The author is described as well-educated and versed in literature.

"...It was written well and gave me a different perspective. Some of the points were well made and grounded in experience as opposed to data or theory...." Read more

"First of all I would like to point out that this book was very a clear picture from a conservatives view of a feckless underclass who have lots of..." Read more

"...It lived up to my high expectations in every way - well written, gritty, intelligent and relentlessly honest...." Read more

"...The writing is very good, but the author does have a slight tendency to express him in too high-falutin' a way..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Humor’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book harsh and humorous at times. They describe it as cynical, sad, and well-written with an abundance of black humor. The writing style is described as lucid and a fine turn of phrase.

"The funniest insights into the human condition I have ever read. Much of it sad but true...." Read more

"...I find it dark, cynical, harsh, true, and often hilarious in equal measure...." Read more

"...Life at the Bottom' is very well written with an abundance of black humour - it is polemical but most of the logic is faultless. Highly recommended." Read more

"...Extremely funny at times too." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Pacing’3 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find the points well-made and grounded in experience, making it gritty and intelligent. Others describe it as depressing and unkind, with the author being condescending and lacking compassion.

"...It is the poverty of the soul, which is more frightening than the poverty of goods...." Read more

"...Some of the points were well made and grounded in experience as opposed to data or theory. If you are open-minded this is a must read." Read more

"...I do agree with much of what he writes, but he is all pomposity and no compassion." Read more

"...It lived up to my high expectations in every way - well written, gritty, intelligent and relentlessly honest...." Read more

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brian doyle
Different perspectives
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 October 2024
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Although I did not agree with some of the key points in this book. It was written well and gave me a different perspective. Some of the points were well made and grounded in experience as opposed to data or theory. If you are open-minded this is a must read.

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AdamGR
A devastating critique of the welfare state and social care
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2007
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It would be so easy to dismiss this book as a right wing diatribe attacking the underclass and (shock horror) blaming them for the mess they are in. Alternatively, you could take it at face value as a very honest and reasonably objective analysis of the root of the problem. Whatever, many will dismiss this book and it will certainly not be put on the reading lists of university students in social science departments. This is a pity because the book provides a brilliant and persuasive argument for his thesis that the problem is the denial of human agency. What he has come to see so clearly working on the front line is that people are quite capable of making decisions until it gets them into deep trouble and then the agency is denied and they are mere objects or victims of much greater forces such as inequality, racism and poverty. This is compounded by the growing trend to pathologize all sorts of human actions to the extent that it is very difficult to hold anyone to account for anything. The burglar who wants pills to stop his criminal behavior or the woman who wants tablets to make her happy even though she chooses to live with men who abuse her are just two cases in point. People are making bad or wrong decisions but cannot accept that the simple and easiest way to effect change would be for them to make better decisions. Mr Dalrymple offers them back the agency that liberals and university wets want to deny them. Reading this book was like having the light switched on. As uncomfortable as it may be for some, he's right and most people who work in this field know it. Their needs to be a reinstatement of responsibility for one's actions. If we continue to refuse to hold people to account and deny their agency we have no one to blame when society collapses into anarchy around us. It will be our fault because we have denied them equality, wealth and the right tablets. You have been warned. Read the book and you will see that the author does genuinely care for those in need in society but as he points out it is those are are most in need that usually miss out in this culture of non discrimination. A polemic maybe but definitely one that can't and should not be ignored.

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35 people found this helpful

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Alice Dobie
A very critical if not derogatory view of Britain's poor
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 April 2013
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First of all I would like to point out that this book was very a clear picture from a conservatives view of a feckless underclass who have lots of children live for twenty Years on welfare and do not work in their lives prior to this they get off their heads on heroine all day and cocaine whatever their circumstances it be a family member dying Who truly respected and listened to them while the mum or dad could not care less or too a girlfriend a person who they shared secrets with held hands kissed and loved dearly. Their was no excuse dating Theodore Dalrymple for their reckless inexcusable behaviour the fact they were beaten up by their partners hit on a regular basis the women were bad mothers and no where near good enough to be a parent as a result. They did not think of their children's needs or take personal responsibility for their actions as this is one of the traits of the underclass he states it is always someone else's fault never theirs and he points out that patients who had seen him some had worked before in professional jobs lawyers nurses but had decided to go on drugs by being influenced and hooked by their boyfriends at parties true they never had too try it but they did and his talk it was not everywhere heroine as they say it was is true as well. My point is this book is not a complete truth as their is not underclass in Britain today 60 percent of people in social housing claiming housing benefit work 70 percent of that benefit does not go on the tenant to spend booze and drugs it goes to the landlords and benefit ford is only 5 percent. He also was critical of The Women's libration movement which gave a voice to thousands of women to not just be housewives and do all the cleaning and cooking but also run a business have rights equal to that of men or take conception then come off it when they feel like it. He is very critical that people can't change they have chosen a life of crime some had good parents who could give them all the studying books and read to them at home took a Keane interstate into them doing well at school and they had become one of the English Underclass they still turned to prefer doing no work and turning to a life of crime. It is true that what has happened as a result of telling of parents they hit their kids a quick slap on the backside for the constant I want another toy stamping feet tantrum but the mother is stressed from working all day at work and can't afford that new toy society has taken discipline as a form of child not good for development as a result that all Children must be worshipped by adults who don't or like children have not respect for elders who lived longer seen more of the world feed them clothed them and brought them up. People can throw on the floor and always except the dustbin man to pick it up and never say please and thank as it is their job so why not. Modern Society is too soft on having manners and morals but what about the victims who thought they meant the man of their dreams kind funny understanding and he turns out to be a controlling bully who manipulates her and beats her up for a laugh. Sorry these women don't deserve violence no one does deserve to be controlled by a man and sorry another thing. He always mentions the police not doing anything when he constantly rings up about his female patients coming in beaten up by their partners how about a bit more compassion and Yes You are a adult You see everything coming Yes You must pay bills so You can use money and not rely on mum and dad to constantly pay for things for You. Yes You must be responsible for Your actions as You have only Yourself to blame for Your downfall. mistakes are not allowed under any stressful circumstances You are only the cause and blame of Your life Sympathy for a word is not found in this book. Sorry for the Rant why this book was very inter stating and written a long time ago over a decade twelve Years. He misses the point say that these circumstances where just brought on by them themselves that by putting money into knife crime prevention etc counselling for troubled families understanding people's background and influences and childhood experiences that might have made them go into a life of crime in the first place might actually help instead of the hard You did not have to do it had a choice attitude. Sorry Good Parenting Wont stop Poverty Theodore Dalrymple. He said that that poverty was not the problem but lack of personal responsibility for their actions regardless of their past experiences or circumstances through no fault of their own. He took the root of Thatcherism that There is No Society and that their are Individual men women and children who must take responsibility and get a low paid minimum wage job scrapping tables stepping roads maybe etc. To get out of their underclass circumstances must mean getting a Job . Their was not always so much I could agree with in this book it sounded like a present day speech by the Coalition Government on the best way to deal with these people that poverty was not a problem neither was Capitalism but Was themsleves it was as if too say Poverty in 21st Century did not exist and that the welfare had produced a bunch of feckless no respect no manners no discipline cruel violent thugs who regularly terrorised little old lady's and had drunk addict or single parents. His criticism of the Welfare State would have perfect for the current Tory Government dismantle of the Welfare State cutting council tax and taxing people with two bedrooms as cruel attack on the poor for the blame of a economic crash started by the rich. This book would be very current today and help the Government who are obsessed with a small Tiny minority who have never worked .

There is no doubt bad parents unloving parents exists not just in the Working Class but Middle Class as well. Also antisocial behaviour is a massive problem now in our society with rubbish throw on the floor. Rude Screaming kids on a bus lack of discipline or manners for that reason respect only for themselves but Still in every household which claims unemployment benefit one to two adults work. If You want to believe the media hype of privileged privately educated upper middle class cabinet members or myths of Three Generations of a family that never worked that poverty is not the problem and that only You the problem to Your own problems read this. Good book but too much like a anti Welfare State Soundbite and attack on the Poor.

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Phil
A reason to bring back National Service
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 February 2025
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Read about a large section of the population of the United Kingdom! Very interesting but disturbing to read where our country is heading!!!
Bring back National Service to save the UK!

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Amazon Customer
A dedication to the truth above all
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 February 2025
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If you care for truth as a cornerstone of your life, read this book. You will be delighted you did.

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ken
Brilliant, worrying, hilariously witty
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2023
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This book has taken me on a frighteningly honest yet at times wickedly hilarious journey from the people who take no responsibility for their actions and life's circumstances, to how deluded virtue signalling intelectuals destroy society through a constant battle of who can show the most compassion and virtue signal the hardest, all the way to our inept police force lovingly castrated by the same people who seem to start fires and then complain there is no one to put them out fast enough. I am worried but at the same time very entertained.

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Gui
Practitioners perception
Reviewed in Brazil on 6 May 2024
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Theory vs. practice summed up on the beautifully written boon of Dr. A lot of people have a lot of theories but when lack of responsibility ensues, there are consequences

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Ax
Excellent.
Reviewed in France on 8 April 2024
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Brilliant author

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Kindle-Kunde
Beklemmendes Portrait der Brittischen Unterschicht
Reviewed in Germany on 10 January 2022
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Habe das Buch u. A. erworben um mein Englisch aufzupolieren. Autor beschreibt in klaren Wkorten
die Zustände in der britischen Unterschicht und benennt Gründe für die Entweicklung. Ähnliches wird auch unseren Großstädten blühen
Darüberhinaus gibt Dalrymple Einblicke in die Denkweise dr brittischen Eliten. Hier finden sich erstaunliche Paralelen zu unsere der unsere Akademischen und parlamentarischen Oberschicht.

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elaine
life at the bottom
Reviewed in Spain on 11 December 2018
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Theodore Dalrymple at his scathing best - AGAIN! The more I read this man, the more his prose bring a smile to my lips and a chuckle to my chest, even though it is describing in detail the desperateness of the class 'there but for the grace of God go I.'

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Owjan
wonderful book
Reviewed in Australia on 20 March 2022
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Recommended by professor peterson, I wasn't expect anything less than wonderful to read. Amazing insight from the Life of british underclass which is no different from their brothers here in australia.

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Life at the Bottom: The Worldview That Makes the Underclass Paperback – 8 Mar. 2003

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Top reviews from United Kingdom

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5.0 out of 5 stars Different perspectives

5.0 out of 5 stars A devastating critique of the welfare state and social care

4.0 out of 5 stars A very critical if not derogatory view of Britain's poor

5.0 out of 5 stars A reason to bring back National Service

5.0 out of 5 stars A dedication to the truth above all

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, worrying, hilariously witty

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Practitioners perception

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beklemmendes Portrait der Brittischen Unterschicht

5.0 out of 5 stars life at the bottom

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful book

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Different perspectives

A devastating critique of the welfare state and social care

A very critical if not derogatory view of Britain's poor

A reason to bring back National Service

A dedication to the truth above all

Brilliant, worrying, hilariously witty

Practitioners perception

Excellent.

Beklemmendes Portrait der Brittischen Unterschicht

life at the bottom

wonderful book