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Briggs, A Victorian Cities
A detailed investigation of the social, political and economic development of six cities during the Victorian age - Manchester; Leeds; Birmingham; Middlesborough; Melbourne; and, of course, London.
Thompson, E The Making of the English Working Class
A thought provoking discussion of class formation and class conflict in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. Some interesting individual accounts.
Perkin, H The Age of the Railway
A similar approach to the previous work by Perkin, mentioned above. This time he focuses on the development of the railways and their importance to England's rapid industrial and social change during the 19th century. Very readable.
Harris, J Private Lives, Public Spirit: Britain 1870-1914
Not yet read.
David, S Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire
This book has only recently been published and I haven't read it yet. Reviews suggest that it provides novel perspectives and insights into the development and management of the British Empire. Worth reading by those whose ancestors were colonists or served overseas in armies or civil service.
Hill, C The World Turned Upside Down
Focused on the various (non-religious) radical groups that arose in the mid-17th century - Diggers, Ranters, Levellers, etc. and their questioning of the satus quo. A change from the usual works covering this period which tend to concentrate on the 'triumph of Protestantism'.
Stone, L The Family, Sex and Marriage in England, 1500-1800
A study of the transformation of the family from the extended, land-based group to the smaller, nuclear family. A discussion of how these changes impacted on marriage, gender roles, sexual behaviour, contraception and child rearing.
Rodgers, R Housing in Urban Britain 1780-1914
See Biker's list
Flanders, J The Victorian House
See Biker's list. One review states: "There remains a small quibble: the book should really be titled 'The Middle Class House of Victorian London'. We are not taken to any provincial homes"
Clarke, P Hope and Glory: Britain, 1900-2000
An examination of 20th century social, economic and political change in Britain.
Quin, T Tales of Old Country Farmers
I'm waiting for this to be delivered. It promises to be and interesting book about rural life gathered from the older generation of farmers.
Burnett, J Useful Toil
See Biker's list and review
Nicholson, S A Victorian Household
An personal account of life in a middle class, late Victorian/Edwardian family. The book is based on the diaries of Marion Sambourne, wife of the Punch illustrator.
Robertson, U A The Illustrated History of the Housewife 1650-1950
Not yet read. An examination of the changing role of the housewife. Looks worth a read!
Waterson, M The Servants Hall: A domestic history of Erddig
Haggett, B E Life Below Stairs
Pimlott, J A R The Englishman's Holiday
I'm trying to get hold of this - I think it's out of print. Recommended in Perkin.
Crawford, A Letters of Medieval Women
I have just started reading this collection, published in 2002. A rare glimpse of life in feudal Britain from the eyes of mainly aristocratic women - daughters, wives, widows. It also has a useful introduction covering marriage patterns, inheritance and the like.
There is a vast amount of fiction that is worth while - Dickens, of course, and my favourite, Elizabeth Gaskill.
These books are mainly still in print or have been re-issued. It is worth doing web searches for them or looking through the many on-line bookstores. Local Libraries will have many on their shelves or can get them for you via Inter-Library Loan.
