Edwardian England, 1901-15;: Society and politics

by Donald Read

The Edwardian era marked a great turning point in modern British history.

In many spheres it produced the culmination of British power and influence which had been growing rapidly in the nineteenth century. Yet it also witnessed the beginnings of the decline which was accelerated through the twentieth century. Abroad, the British Empire reached its zenith during the Edwardian years but the military challenge of Germany was growing stronger. At home, the apparently dominant Liberal and Conservative parties were being threatened by a new political force in the Socialists.

Many misconceptions about the period, social, economic, political, and diplomatic have gained currency. At one extreme, it has been seen as a Golden age, shattered by the sudden impact of war in 1914; at the other extreme, it has been portrayed as an age of crisis, its society already collapsing under pressure of internal problems.

This survey presents a vivid portrait of the turmoil and vibrance of British society at the beginning of the twentieth century and suggests ways in which the history of this period has shaped the subsequent development of Britain through the century.

Praise for Donald Read:

"…Professor Read's book is a most useful pathfinder through the thickets of printed material on the late Victorian and Edwardian eras" - Kenneth O. Morgan, Times Literary Supplement

Donald Read (1930 – 1 October 2018) was a British historian and emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Kent, who was appointed to write the authorised history of Reuters. Read died in 2018, aged 88.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Donald Read (1930-2018) was a British historian and emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Kent, who was appointed to write the authorised history of Reuters. Read died in 2018, aged 88.

Reviews

[Max Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very dry, albeit informative, history of Edwardian England focusing primarily on changing social attitudes and Parliament’s role in driving and responding to these changes.

If you’re after a reference book for a bit of academic work on the Edwardian era, especially if it’s about working class Edwardians, trade unions and early attempts at building a welfare state, this would be ideal as it’s chocked full of statistics and facts. If you’re looking for a more general history of the Edwardian era there’s probably better books out there.

[Alix Chidley-Uttley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Of its time but insightful and informed. Recommend