A Short History of the British Industrial Revolution

by Emma Griffin

The industrial revolution stands out as a key event not simply in British history, but in world history, ushering in as it did a new era of sustained economic prosperity. But what exactly was the 'industrial revolution'? And why did it occur in Britain when it did? Ever since the expression was coined in the 19th century, historians have been debating these questions, and there now exists a large and complex historiography concerned with English industrialisation. This short history of the British Industrial Revolution, aimed at undergraduates, sets out to answer these questions. It will synthesise the latest research on British industrialisation into an exciting and interesting account of the industrial revolution. Deploying clear argument, lively language, and a fresh set of organising themes, this short history revisits one of the most central events in British history in a novel and accessible way.

This is an ideal text for undergraduate students studying the Industrial Revolution or 19th Century Britain.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Economics

204 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2010

Reviews

[Emery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Griffin basically explores the major research about the Industrial Revolution, presenting it to the reader and then making a determination about its accuracy. So, instead of a history of the revolution, it’s closer to a historiography of Industrial Revolutionary scholarship. That being said, it’s a very detailed and comprehensive book. I learned a lot about the revolution through the examinations and affirmations or refutations of the scholarship. The book might be a “short history,” but it is a hard read that requires a lot of concentration. Especially if this is one’s first real introduction to the subject.

[Joshua Enns-Wind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great entry into the study of the Industrial Revolution. It wasn't too exhaustive and it leaves a lot of room to explore and discuss, but I think Emma Griffin accomplished what she set out to achieve.