Paradoxical Harvest: Energy and explanation in British History, 1870–1914 (American Sociological Association Rose Monographs) - Softcover

Adams, Richard N.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521288665 ISBN 13: 9780521288668

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1982

Synopsis

This book is a study of the relationship between the use of energy in society and the general pattern of development in Great Britain during the 1870-1914 era. Professor Adams argues that Britain's apparent 'decline' in this period was not in fact a decline but a levelling off in capacity to do work, a result of the country's collective decision to invest more heavily abroad than at home. This pattern accords with Lotka's general energetic principle of natural selection. Specifically, Britain found it necessary to invest abroad, thereby creating an industrial environment for its own products and giving the impetus to other industrial nations - especially the United States and Germany - to seriously threaten Britain's primary position in industry and trade. The book should be of interest to those concerned with development, economic growth, energy and society, cultural development, and in general to specialists in anthropology, sociology, European and British history, economics and economic history.

About this title

Book Description

This book is a study of the relationship between the use of energy in society and the general pattern of development in Great Britain during the 1870-1914 era. Professor Adams argues that Britain's apparent 'decline' in this period was not in fact a decline but a levelling off in capacity to do work, a result of the country's collective decision to invest more heavily abroad than at home.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0521288665
• ISBN 13: 9780521288668
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 156