Eighteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #022

by Paul Langford

While the rest of eighteenth century Europe was embroiled in revolution and unrest, Britain embarked on an era of comparative calm and stability. Two attempts by the Stuarts to reclaim the throne were easily put down, not through the power of the British military, but through the general apathy of the British people, who were just not in the mood to join in the rebellions enjoyed by the American colonies and the French. Also known as the Age of Enlightenment, this was a time for intellectual growth, as improved literacy rates and the introduction of newspapers paved the way for a more educated middle class. This was also an ideal time for the initial flourishing of the British Empire, as Britain took advantage of its rivals' troubles to further its aims abroad. This comprehensive and authoritative guide takes a thematic approach to eighteenth-century history, covering such topics as domestic politics, religious developments and changes to social demographics. It presents a fullpicture of an era of reform and growth.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, 18th Century, British Literature, Research, School, Historical

118 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2000

About the author

Paul Langford, FBA, FRHistS, was an historian specializing in 18th century British history. He was the rector of Lincoln College, Oxford from 2002 until 2012.

Reviews

[emily | pagewraith · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it will likely prove to be helpful alongside class material, for an introduction, this book assumed a familiarity with major names and events of the 18th Century with too much confidence.

[Emily Dauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars for me.

It really helped me understand the beginning of the 18th century in Britain.
He got to the point quickly and effectively, but it was a little hard to read at some points.
If you are looking for a fast, but informing book on this subject I highly recommend this.
It was interesting to learn a whole new side of this time in history, while only spending a couple days reading about it.

Overall it was a great book and I did enjoy reading it!

[Robert Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have said this is not the easiest read; the writing style is at times dense, and a lot of prior knowledge is assumed. The author also occasionally uses quotes in other languages without providing a translation, a device I find irritatingly affected and pretentious. On the plus side it does provide an overview of British politics during the period which you can get through in an afternoon, and does offer an ample list of suggestions for further reading should you wish to explore specific topics further.

[Aidan EP · Rating 3 out of 5]

It does what it says on the tin, but be warned very short really does mean very short - only 100 pages! It is dense yet glosses over a lot, but a good companion to my university course on the subject (this was recommended reading by my lecturer).

[Mmetevelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

These editions are really helpful. Langford gives a pretty impressive tour of eighteenth century Britain by analyzing the factors between the major political shifts, economic innovations, social mores, and growing middle class ethos of the eighteenth century. The list of Prime Ministers and major events is really helpful. I consulted it both before and after reading the book. Langford makes the general contours of the history very easy to trace even though the narrative of events was a little buried in Langford's own interpretations of them.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of these books in the A Very Short Introduction series and I have enjoyed all of them so far. I picked this one up from the library because I wanted to know more about the Stuarts and the era when they were the ruling dynasty. I love British history, but I have seriously skipped all but the basics about this time in the monarchy. I got quite a bit of basic information from this book, and I love that they all have bibliographies in the back in case you want to read more on the subject. I have a feeling I will be working my way through more of this series especially the history ones. If you are just getting interested in a subject I highly recommend these books.

[Deidre · Rating 2 out of 5]

What did I just read??? I took away from this text that this time period is characterized by the rise of the middle class as well as conflict between France, England, and the soon to be US.
This is the fifth of these very short introductions that I have read. I must say that the others are all superior. The composition is highfalutin even by British standards. I reckon that it is not suitable for a lay person, and I would bet it is not comprehensive enough for a college level text.
I will revisit once I expand my historical and knowledge to see if my opinion of the text is altered.

[Linnadhiel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Introduction to politics and minor economic aspects of the 18th century. Has literally no introduction and expects you to understand what the contemporary political parties and religious sects are.

This is NOT an introduction.

The author insists on using obscure and sometimes not even English terminology without explanation NOR a glossary to refer to. It reads like the author is attempting to sound intelligent by using these obscure terminology that even well read and academic readers are not necessarily going to know.

[Tom Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book throws out references to characters and events with the assumption that the reader is an expert in eighteenth century Britain, not somebody reading a very short introduction to the period. It vacillates between providing broad brushstrokes of little value, to providing minute details about a particular event without the broader context.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book that’s meant to serve at an introduction to the topic, it felt difficult to keep up with. The author assumes that the reader is familiar with certain events or individuals and makes little attempt to explain them, which can make it difficult at times.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super helpful introduction to the period! Time will tell how comprehensive it was but I certainly felt like there were a lot of subjects covered and a good level of detail included so as to give a broad outline without bombarding the reader with information.

[JD Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good summary, but very politically heavy, and to the loss of other interesting and important items (society, daily life, public attitudes, health, arts, etc.)

[M. Ashraf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eighteenth century Revolutions everywhere.
Industrial, American and French :) The Rise of the global British Empire.
It was different to see the Stuarts attempts to reclaim the throne from the British point of view rather than from Outlanders :)
It is a good read.
Moving on to the 19th Century.

[Steve Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does exactly what it says on the cover; what more could you ask for in a book?

[EvaLovesYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

En rigtig god kilde ifb. med et semesterfag om britisk historie på engelskstudiet.

- Brugt på universitetet (engelsk)

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good refresher on 18th C Britain for this tri @ uni. Focuses mostly on politics, with a bit about society.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth reading, but not worth going to read.