The Industrial Revolution 1760-1830

The Industrial Revolution has sometimes been regarded as a catastrophe which desecrated the English landscape and brought social oppression and appalling physical hardship to the workers. In Ashton's classic account, however, it is presented as an important and beneficial mark of progress. In spite of destructive wars and a rapid growth of population, the material living standards of most of the British people improved, and the technical innovations not only brought economic rewards but also provoked greater intellectual ingenuity.

A new Preface by Pat Hudson surveys recent research in the areas focused on by Ashton and a completely updated bibliography ensures that, 50 years on, this book continues to be valued by students and specialists alike.