A comprehensive history of the Georgians, comparing the old views of this fascinating, tense, and controversial era with our current attitudes.

The Georgian era is often regarded as a time of innovations. It marked the end of absolutism, global exploration and colonization, the first industrial revolution, as well as profound transformations in religious and cultural life, and the role of Britain in the international slave trade. But how did people of that time perceive these changes? And how do their views compare to our current perceptions?

In this extensive history, Penelope J. Corfield explores every aspect of Georgian life — politics and empire, culture and society, love and violence, religion and science, industry and cities. The human reactions of the era were often divided: pessimists reveled in loss and decline, while optimists saw improvements and light. From these tensions emerged the Georgian culture of experimentation and resistance. Corfield highlights the elements of deep continuity that persisted even amidst significant changes, and shows how new developments were challenged when their humanitarian consequences proved serious.

Pages: 512