This highly original synthesis is a clear and stimulating assessment of nineteenth-century British women. In so doing, it presents a positive but nuanced interpretation of women's roles within their own families and communities, as well as stressing women's enormous contribution to the making of contemporary British culture and society.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART 1: WORKING-CLASS WOMEN, 1800-1860 Work
Politics, Community and Protest
Families, Relationships and Home Life
PART 2: MIDDLE-CLASS AND UPPER-CLASS WOMEN, 1800-1860 Work
Politics, Community and Protest
Families, Relationships and Home Life
PART 3: WORKING-CLASS WOMEN, 1860-1900 Work
Politics, Community and Protest
Families, Relationships and Home Life
PART 4: MIDDLE-CLASS AND UPPER-CLASS WOMEN, 1860-1900 Work
Politics, Community and Protest
Families, Relationships and Home Life
Conclusion
Notes and References
Further Reading
Index.

This highly original synthesis is the most comprehensive text to date on nineteenth-century British women. The book deals sensitively with women's evolving experiences of work, the family, the community and politics amongst all classes, prividing the reader with stimulating assessments of the key historiographical debates and issues. Particular emphasis is placed upon recent revisionist research, which draws attention not merely to the role of ideologies and economic circumstances in shaping women's lives, but upon women's own identities and experiences.

Kathryn Gleadle also highlights the central importance of understanding regional difference in analysing women's diverse experiences. By considering Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as England, the book explores new, and more subtle, chronologies of women's lives. This innovative text explains clearly the gendered dynamics of nineteenth-century Britain and the restrictions women faced, whilst affirming the enormous contribution women made to contemporary culture and society.

'...an excellent synthesis...this volume...is the best presentation of scholarship of the last 30 years.' - Choice 'A comprehensive study written in a style which is accessible to students.' - Mrs S.M. Johnson, University College Worcester '...a well written, coherent survey...Students and faculty alike will appreciate the lively and succinct style.' - Sandra J. Peacock, Albion 'This is a succinct and neatly structured synthesis of recent research into the live of nineteenth-century British women.' - Welsh History Review