A companion to early twentieth-century Britain - Chris Wrigley

ThisCompanion brings together 32 new essays by leading historians to provide a reassessment of British history in the early twentieth century. The contributors present lucid introductions to literature and debates on major aspects of the political, social, and economic history of Britain in a period that included the First World War, political upheaval and the foundation of the welfare state, economic hardship, women
s suffrage, and dramatic social changes throughout British society.

The volume examines the international role of Britain as both a world power and a European power, discussing issues of relative economic decline and the effect of the First World War on Britain
s economic status. The book also addresses controversial issues over the social impact of the First World War, especially on the position of women in work and society. There is also substantial coverage of changes in Wales, Scotland and Ireland as well as in England.

Chris Wrigley was formerly the Head of the School of History and Art History and is Professor of Modern British History at Nottingham University. He has been President of the Historical Association (1996 9), Vice–President of the Royal Historical Society and Chair of the Society for the Study of Labour History. He was awarded an Honorary Litt.D. by the University of East Anglia in 1998. He was also editor ofThe Historian from 1993 to 1998. His previous books include David Lloyd George and the British Labour Movement (1976), Arthur Henderson (1990), Lloyd George and the Challenge of Labour (1990) and Lloyd George (1992).

"The essays are readable and accessible, and ... provide an introduction to early twentieth–century Britain for students who will benefit from the 35–page bibliography of secondary sources."Economic History Review

"Wrigley's volume offers thirty–two essays on various aspects of British history between 1900 and 1939. Both the cast of contributors, and the variety of topics they cover, are impressive ... This is an excellent volume, comprising strong essays ably held together by the editor. It will be of considerable value to students and their lecturers." Andrew Thorpe, University of Exeter