This book surveys the history of Wales from 1485-1971. It explores a society that was dominated by the landed gentry, then divided at the Industrial Revolution, which transformed the face and fortune of Wales, as well as its place in British society. In both sections the author gives due attention to the economic and social structure before investigating administrative, political, religious and educational developments. There is a judicious mix of narrative and analysis in a study based both on the author's research and on the mass of exciting work published by Welsh historians. A sense of history has been vital in Welsh society, as is evident from the currency given to myths from the Middle Ages onwards and has resulted in a plethora of innovatory and invigorating studies based on rigorous historical investigation. This book makes an important contribution to extending the means by which anyone with an interest in Wales may investigate that history.