This famous book surveys every aspect of the period in which Britain was transformed into the world's first industrial power. It was an era of revolutionary change unparalleled in Britain - yet that change was achieved without political revolution. This combination of revolution and transition is a central theme of the book. This major new edition is fully revised to take account of recent scholarship and fresh perspectives on the period. The recasting of Part Two (on the industrial revolution and its consequences) has been particularly extensive; the bibliography has been enlarged and brought up to date; and there is increased emphasis on British as opposed to English perspectives throughout.