But the character of Luddism was not that of a blind protest, or of a food riot (as took place in many other districts). Nor will it do to describe Luddism as a form of “primitive” trade unionism. As we have seen, the men who organised, sheltered, or condoned Luddism were far, from primitive. They were shrewd and humorous; next to the London artisans, some of them were amongst the most articulate of the “industrious classes
