'A highly stimulating analysis ... A masterful application of social theory to a historical problem ... a fine piece of scholarship which puts forward a bold and innovative thesis. A "must" for researchers and students concerned with the transition of Britian from a pre-industrial to an industrial society.' - Urban History'A significant contribution to our knowledge of the development of the professions in a book that is also a serendipity for the reader , whther academic or lay, in providing a well-written, enjoyable, thought-provoking and entertaining read' - Judy Slinn, Oxford Brookes UniversityA fine study of the substantial diversification in the sources of social power in eighteenth and early nineteenth century Britain ... this book authoritatively fills a long-standing gap in the historiography of the cultural production of expertise.' - Steve Hindle, English Historical Review, November 1997

• Chapter 1 Power; Chapter 2 Mystery; Chapter 3 Satire; Chapter 4 Lawyers; Chapter 5 Clerics; Chapter 6 Doctors; Chapter 7 Trend; Chapter 8 Ethos; Chapter 9 Advancement; Chapter 10 Power/Knowledge?;

'A highly stimulating analysis ... A masterful application of social theory to a historical problem ... a fine piece of scholarship which puts forward a bold and innovative thesis. A "must" for researchers and students concerned with the transition of Britian from a pre-industrial to an industrial society.' - Urban History'A significant contribution to our knowledge of the development of the professions in a book that is also a serendipity for the reader , whther academic or lay, in providing a well-written, enjoyable, thought-provoking and entertaining read' - Judy Slinn, Oxford Brookes UniversityA fine study of the substantial diversification in the sources of social power in eighteenth and early nineteenth century Britain ... this book authoritatively fills a long-standing gap in the historiography of the cultural production of expertise.' - Steve Hindle, English Historical Review, November 1997

• Chapter 1 Power; Chapter 2 Mystery; Chapter 3 Satire; Chapter 4 Lawyers; Chapter 5 Clerics; Chapter 6 Doctors; Chapter 7 Trend; Chapter 8 Ethos; Chapter 9 Advancement; Chapter 10 Power/Knowledge?;

'A highly stimulating analysis ... A masterful application of social theory to a historical problem ... a fine piece of scholarship which puts forward a bold and innovative thesis. A "must" for researchers and students concerned with the transition of Britian from a pre-industrial to an industrial society.' - Urban History'A significant contribution to our knowledge of the development of the professions in a book that is also a serendipity for the reader , whther academic or lay, in providing a well-written, enjoyable, thought-provoking and entertaining read' - Judy Slinn, Oxford Brookes UniversityA fine study of the substantial diversification in the sources of social power in eighteenth and early nineteenth century Britain ... this book authoritatively fills a long-standing gap in the historiography of the cultural production of expertise.' - Steve Hindle, English Historical Review, November 1997

• Chapter 1 Power; Chapter 2 Mystery; Chapter 3 Satire; Chapter 4 Lawyers; Chapter 5 Clerics; Chapter 6 Doctors; Chapter 7 Trend; Chapter 8 Ethos; Chapter 9 Advancement; Chapter 10 Power/Knowledge?;