First Published in 1986 Modern Britain 1700-1983 presents an interpretation of major trends in the domestic history of the United Kingdom since the beginning of the eighteenth century. It is not intended to offer a comprehensive history of Britain and in particular, foreign and colonial policies are not considered: the focus is on the recreation and analysis of what it felt like to live in Britain throughout the period in question.

Many features of present-day Britain have their roots in the eighteenth century- industrialization, urbanisation, mass communications, constitutional monarchy, the rule of parliamentary law. To examine British history since 1700 is to approach directly an understanding of our own world. The period sees the development of a predominantly agricultural country into the first industrial nation, the progression from still high infant mortality and early death to sophistication of modern medicine, from the dominance of the traditional landed ruling class to the rise of the Liberals and of the Labour Party and of a New Conservatism. Dr Alderman’s history will illuminate our past for a new generation of students.