In this book, J.H. Plumb investigates the way that humankind has moulded the past to give sanction to their institutions of government, their social structure and morality. The past has also been called upon to explain the nature of our destiny in order both to strengthen the objectives of society and to reconcile us to our lot.

Arthur Marwick’s penetrating survey of Britain’s society and lifestyles since the Second World War has been extensively updated for the twenty-first century.

High and popular culture; race, gender and class relations; science and technology; ‘Britishness’ and relations with Europe – the diversity of social developments in these areas from 1945 to 2002 is explored here within a clear chronological framework. An examination of opinion polls and two major sex surveys offer fascinating insights into current social attitudes. And additional chapters bring this edition right up to date, offering a lively critique of New Labour and discussing many recent issues that affect the nation today, such as devolution in Scotland and Wales, race riots, the BSE and foot-and-mouth crises, and the effect on the economy of September 11.

This enormously influential book by three leading historians was a revolution in the understanding of commercialisation and the economy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the consumer revolution. Neil McKendrick studies the fashion and the pottery industries, and created a new framework for enquiring into fundamental issues. John Brewer examines the commercialisation and politics. J.H. Plumb considers the social; changes brought about by commercialization, looking in particular at leisure, the `new world' of children, and the acceptance of modernity.

This enormously influential book by three leading historians was a revolution in the understanding of commercialisation and the economy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the consumer revolution. Neil McKendrick studies the fashion and the pottery industries, and created a new framework for enquiring into fundamental issues. John Brewer examines the commercialisation and politics. J.H. Plumb considers the social; changes brought about by commercialization, looking in particular at leisure, the `new world' of children, and the acceptance of modernity.

Spanning an age that witnessed great achievements in the arts and sciences, this definitive overview of the Italian Renaissance will both captivate ordinary readers and challenge specialists. Dr. Plumb’s impressive and provocative narrative is accompanied by contributions from leading historians, including Morris Bishop, J. Bronowski, Maria Bellonci, and many more, who have further illuminated the lives of some of the era’s most unforgettable personalities, from Petrarch to Pope Pius II, Michelangelo to Isabella d'Este, Machiavelli to Leonardo. A highly readable and engaging volume, THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE is a perfect introduction to the movement that shaped the Western world.