Britain Since 1789: A Concise History - Hardcover

Martin Pugh

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0333764528 ISBN 13: 9780333764527

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1999

Synopsis

In Britain since 1789, Martin Pugh offers a stimulating introduction to the fundamental social, political and economic changes that took place in Great Britain from the late eighteenth century to the present day. In his study of this complex and fascinating period, he explores the major factors governing and determining events and asks:
How and why did Britain reach her peak as a great industrial power by 1850? What has been the nature and extent of economic decline since the late-Victorian period? How, as violent, revolutionary change swept across Europe, did the aristocratic British political system give way to mass democracy with scarcely a protest? How did Britain manage to acquire a huge empire in the nineteenth century while investing so little in her armed forces? Drawing on the latest historical research, Pugh presents an accessible, concise and yet wide-ranging analysis of the factors that have shaped contemporary Britain. His study culminates in an evaluation of Britain's dilemmas at the end of this century - following the collapse of consensus politics, the rejection of Thatcherism, the emergence of New Labour and the reappraisal of Britain's relationship with Europe.

About this title

About the Author:

MARTIN PUGH is Professor of Modern British History at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. A well-known academic and writer on modern British history, his previous publications include Women and the Women's Movement in Britain 1914-1959 (also published by Macmillan) and A Companion to Modern European History 1871-1945 and State and Society: British Political and Social History, 1870-1992.

Review:

Pugh's [book is] broader and more general...highly recommended.' - Teaching History 'An admirably clear introduction to the period which it covers.' - L. Glassey, University of Glasgow 'Themes of chapters are particularly useful to introduce students to the main features of the period and modern British history in general.' - D.T.Johnson, University of Leicester 'A student textbook covering this 200 year period of British history in 29 short chapters of 254 pages should have wide appeal, especially as it covers main social, economic and political themes. I certainly intend to recommend for purchase for my survey course.' - Dr. J.O.Springhall, University of Ulster 'As the title says, this is a 'concise' history from 1789. As many of the students have not previously studied history this is an ideal addition to texts such as More's 'Industrial Age'.' - Mr B.Cleasby, Southampton Institute 'Covers virtually the whole of the British history syllabus except the period 1760-1789. Provides an accessible and concise interpretative framework.' - Dr. J.A.Hargreaves, Howden Clough High School

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0333764528
• ISBN 13: 9780333764527
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 264