Reviews for Wealth and Welfare: An Economic and Social History of Britain, 1851-1951

The average rating for Wealth and Welfare: An Economic and Social History of Britain, 1851-1951 based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-06-11 00:00:00 Nicky Dark Exceptional but, in part, exceedingly dry. No bones about it, this is an academic work presenting a somewhat specialized subject. The dry statistical chapters, necessary as they are in revealing the life of the 19th century English agricultural labourer, can be tiresome, at times, for the general reader. Fortunately they are juxtaposed with highly readable, compelling commentary. I feel greatly rewarded for having spent the additional effort on this. The text is highly footnoted and interwoven with the occasional oral account at the right moment to keep the reader's interest from wavering. Through consulting various source material left behind Barry Reay constructs a thorough study of 19th century rural England and the lives of the men, women, and children who worked its soil. His thesis that the extent of localization, in virtually all areas of the labourers lives, demands we consider "Rural Englands" when conceptualizing the subject is well demonstrated.

Review # 2 was written on 2019-11-06 00:00:00 Scott Thomas Very good on the topic of nineteenth century agricultural labourers. Helped immensely with my master's essay--my lecturer recommended this book as a must! At points it gets a bit hard to read, but in academia, what book isn't? Would definitely recommend if you are researching about the rural working class in nineteenth century England, especially in regards to agricultural labour.