Charity, Self-Interest and Welfare in the English Past

by Martin Daunton (Editor)

Historians present 11 essays showing that the current debates over provisions for the poor, infirm, and aged in Britain have changed little over the past four centuries. They document the early and extensive development of tax-supported, locally administered poor relief compared to continental Europe. They also explore the relationship between welfare demand and early marriage and high birth rates, concluding that welfare does not cause or encourage demographic changes but responds to them. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

362 pages, Hardcover

First published June 27, 1996

About the author

Martin James Daunton is Professor of Economic History at the University of Cambridge.