State and Society: British Political and Social History, 1870-1992

Martin Pugh has produced an in depth study of Britain's social and political history between 1870 and 1997. The book is divided into 5 sections which makes navigation of the subject matter easier. Section 1 deals with the period 1870-1902 and focuses on topics such as the retreat of industrial revolution, persistence of mass poverty, the myths and reality of Victorian values and the rise of the Labour movement. Section 2 covers Edwardian social reforms, class struggle, invasion scares, and the impact of war to name but a few of its themes and it spans the years 1902-1918. In section 3, 1918-1940, Pugh explores such issues as the legacy of war, Labours rise to power, social welfare, the housing revolution and Keynesianism. Section 4 (1940-1970) looks at the `Age of the Benign State', and covers such topics as race and immigration, collapse of British power, the permissive society, decolonisation and Britain's reluctant entry into Europe. The final section discusses multi-party politics, the decline of Labour, Thatcherism, the increase of environmentalism and economic depression and ends in 1997. There are tables and figures, some illustrations and a useful guide to further reading for those who wish to explore the subject further. This text should be very useful to undergraduates but would also appeal to anyone with an interest in British history. It is easy to read although admittedly a little `dry' at times but is full of relevant information and provides enough `in depth' information for even the most exacting of readers.