Modern British History

by Jeremy Black

Published 23 May 2000
Jeremy Black's compelling text provides a thematic account of British history centering on the twentieth century. To the traditional, chronological account of historic events, Black adds long-range thematic chapters reflecting the full range of topics. These include political structures, ideologies, wars and international relations, economic history, social history as well as consumerism, media and mass communication. The coverage is further enlivened with exhibits providing supplementary background information on key personalities and pivotal events, and numerous illustrations.

The nineetenth century was a period of striking developments, and subject to a great pressure of change. This process of change is the primary focus of the book. Organised into a series of thematic chapters, Black and MacRaild's wide-ranging text offers the reader an analysis of numerous spheres of human history: politics, empire and warfare; economy, society and population; religion and culture. The book also offers considered treatment of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with a truly British (as opposed to English) perspective maintained throughout. With numerous illustrations, helpful explanatory tables, boxes and textual inserts, as well as a list of further reading with each chapter, Ninteetenth Century Britain is an excellent introductory text book for students of this most vital period in British history.