The Long Eighteenth Century: British Political and Social History 1688-1832

by Frank O'Gorman

In British history the period from 1688 to 1832 is often called the "long eighteenth century" though it defies easy characterization. Blending narrative chapters with more solid analysis, this book provides a fresh and cogent account of the period and nuanced view of the contours of the age.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, 18th Century, British Literature

415 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 1997

Reviews

[JD Newick]

An old textbook from my undergraduate degree years ago, I found it randomly somewhere and thought I'd read it again, as my knowledge of the era has rusted over somewhat!

O'Gorman manages to do a decent job covering the kaleidoscopic political scene and social transformations of the era, as well as detailing the recent (for 1997) historiographical debates on most subject. The emphasis is usually as much on continuity as it is on the changes which took place over the Long Eighteenth Century. There's slightly less coverage of the economic or cultural history (well, hence the title), and a single volume can never do full justice to such a long and complex period, but it's still pretty useful and informative as an overview.

[Kaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me cry more times than i would like to admit, the pain i felt trying to understand it was probably comparable to that of a peasant dying of cholera in 1832. Great book though, but very detailed so you have to pay attention

[F · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good overview of the eighteenth century in terms of politics and society; if that's what you're after. Its aim is not to offer thorough academic in-depth analysis.

[John Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dry but a great starting point for learning about a century that often falls between two better known ones. More political than military, despite the number of wars.

[Carrie]

This is a fascinating period in history. This book is in no way fascinating. Find a different one.

[Frida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and the information is well organised so it’s easy to understand. It’s really bloody long but gives a great overview of 18th century Britain

[Ash Catt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the author notes in his bibliography, there is no completely satisfactory thorough overview of the 18th-century in existence, but when you study history, you accept that there is no such thing as completeness in a historical work! I would class this as being thorough, and a very good overview of the 18th-century, or more accurately, the 'long 18th-century' stretching from the (so-called) Glorious Revolution to the Reform Act, in order to give you an idea of context. Challenging, but very readable, and gives a great grounding to the period. In some places, it feels overly much like name dropping, but mainly it was a great read.

[Frazer Gowans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent general history of this period - really enjoyed this.