Hobson's Choice

Hobson's Choice is a classic play written by Harold Brighouse, first performed in 1916. The story is set in Salford, England, in the late 19th century and follows the life of Henry Hobson, a widowed bootmaker who is known for his love of drink and his stubbornness. Hobson has three daughters, Maggie, Alice, and Vicky, but he treats them poorly and sees them only as a means to an end.The play revolves around Maggie, the eldest daughter, who is determined to break free from her father's control and start her own business. She sees an opportunity when Will Mossop, a shy and unassuming employee at Hobson's shop, shows a talent for making boots. Maggie decides to marry Will and start a new business with him, much to the shock and disapproval of her father.As Maggie and Will's business grows, Hobson's own shop begins to suffer, and he realizes that he needs his daughter's help. However, Maggie is no longer willing to be subservient to her father and demands that he treat her and her husband as equals. The play explores themes of gender roles, class, and the struggle for independence and self-determination.Overall, Hobson's Choice is a witty and insightful play that offers a glimpse into the social and economic realities of working-class life in Victorian England. It is a timeless story that continues to resonate with audiences today.TUBBY (cutting bread). Every way you look at it. Mr. Hobson's not his own old self, and the shop's not its own old self, and look at me. Now I ask you, Mr. Heeler, man to man, is this work for a foreman shoe hand? Cooking and laying tables and....This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.