Britain’s Industrial Revolution in 100 Objects written by John Broom and
published by Pen & Sword Books - £25 - Hardback - Pages 320
The period of Britain’s Industrial Revolution was perhaps the most transformative
era in the nation’s history. Between about 1750 and 1914, life and work, home and
school, church and community changed irreversibly for Britain’s rapidly expanding
population. Lives were transformed, some for the better, but many endured abysmal
domestic and workplace conditions. Eventually improvements were made to
Britain’s social fabric which led to the prospect of richer and more fulfilled lives for
working men, women and even children. Focusing on 100 objects that either directly
influenced, or arose from, these changes, John Broom offers a distinctive insight into
this fascinating age. With plentiful illustrations and suggestions for visits to hundreds
of places of historical interest, this book makes an ideal companion for a journey into
Britain’s industrial past.
A brilliant subject matter, a fascinating and very interesting book, but then I do love this period of history and changes so maybe I’m slightly biased. We all very much learn about the industrial revolution from our days at school and this book is a bit like a throwback to those days, where we are introduced again to elements, items, people and changes that happened and might have forgotten about in a period of great change and upheaval. The book charts political upheaval through laws and events and the movement of people from the country into the cities.
A knowledgeable book with a lot of good effort by the author, I also enjoyed the links to places
and further reading after each object, which added an extra dynamic to the book. Certainly, a
book I enjoyed very much as I do all the ‘100 object’ books, but also a good book if you want to
learn more about the industrial revolution and what it bought. Highly recommended.
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