JEREMY BLACK is Professor of History at Exeter University. He is the author of over 30 books published by Macmillan, the latest of which include European Warfare 1453-1815 and From Louis XIV to Napoleon: the fate of a great power.

'Jeremy Black's publication is interesting, informative and thought provoking...The text represents excellent value for money and I will have no hesitation recommending it.' - Alfred Regan, South Devon College 'The thematic structure is valuable. Up-to-date and concise histories of key areas.' - Dr Terry Wyke, Manchester Metropolitan University 'A competently written and structured book which deals with the key areas in a clear and concise manner. Highly recommended.' - Raymond Pate, Southport College 'I think this is a splendid work: trenchantly written, stimulating, and blending thematic and narrative approach in a very original way. It should be a great success.' - Dr Munro Price, Department of European Studies, University of Bradford 'Excellent, clear prose, challenging structure, good use of illustrations.' - Dr Martin Polley, Department of Humanities and Heritage Studies, King Alfred's College of Higher Education 'As always Jeremy has produced a very useful and readable text of an original nature - students will find it very useful and so will my staff teaching the course. Simply excellent.' - Richard Brown, A-Level Lecturer, Manshead School

• PrefaceAcknowledgementsChronologyVictorian BritainThe Condition of the PeopleThe Condition of the CountryTechnology, Science and the World of GoodsGetting Around: People, Messages and ImagesSocial StructuresBeliefs and IdeologiesDemocratisation and the ConstitutionPolitics: pre-1945Politics: post-1945Economic WorldsThe Parts of the British IslesBritain and the Outside World: PoliticalBritain and the Outside World: Social, Economic, CulturalCultural WorldsPostscript: Into the Twenty-First CenturyGlossaryBibliographyIndex.