"...a first-rate study which combines the virtues of clarity, judicious selectivity and overall objectivity with the social and economic perspectives of the 'new' history." History

• Preface; Preface to the second edition; Map 1; Map 2; Part I. 1485–1780: 1. The economy; 2. Society; 3. Local government and the state; 4. Political power and central control; 5. Religion; 6. Education; Part II. 1780–1979: 7. The economy; 8. Society; 9. Government, politics and protest; 10. Religion and education; 11. Conclusion; Part III. Since 1979: 12. Another millennium?; Illustrative documents; A note on further study; Index.

"...a first-rate study which combines the virtues of clarity, judicious selectivity and overall objectivity with the social and economic perspectives of the 'new' history." History

• Preface; Preface to the second edition; Map 1; Map 2; Part I. 1485–1780: 1. The economy; 2. Society; 3. Local government and the state; 4. Political power and central control; 5. Religion; 6. Education; Part II. 1780–1979: 7. The economy; 8. Society; 9. Government, politics and protest; 10. Religion and education; 11. Conclusion; Part III. Since 1979: 12. Another millennium?; Illustrative documents; A note on further study; Index.

"...a first-rate study which combines the virtues of clarity, judicious selectivity and overall objectivity with the social and economic perspectives of the 'new' history." History

• Preface; Preface to the second edition; Map 1; Map 2; Part I. 1485–1780: 1. The economy; 2. Society; 3. Local government and the state; 4. Political power and central control; 5. Religion; 6. Education; Part II. 1780–1979: 7. The economy; 8. Society; 9. Government, politics and protest; 10. Religion and education; 11. Conclusion; Part III. Since 1979: 12. Another millennium?; Illustrative documents; A note on further study; Index.