Bedarida traces the evolution of English society from the height of the British Empire to the dawn of the single European market. French historiography is used to penetrate the attitudes and behaviour of the British people. Reviews of the first edition: 'An outstanding, perceptive study probably even more needed by British students than French ones.' - Arthur Marwick, History '... Bedarida constantly opens fresh perspectives on a familiar landscape ... It is an outsider's view of England from the pen of one whose continuous research and activity in English social history has made him an honorary and honoured member of the English professional society.' - Economic History Review Francois Bedarida, translated by A.S. Forster and Jeffrey Hodgkinson.