The Industrial Revolution by Robert Allen
The Industrial Revolution by Robert Allen is from Oxford’s A Very Short Introduction series. It is a short book, but with plenty of interesting details that would keep the reader engaged. I am very keen on this series and I will buy a few more books because these are so well made and interesting.
Going back to this particular book, on the Industrial Revolution, it is very interesting indeed. Allen is a very well known and respected historian of the period. His theory on the causes of the British industrialisation is interesting and something I agree with. In historical economy, these theories are debated and controversial, but his views are the ones that are more realistic, for me. So I was expecting a good overview, in preparation for an exam. My studies usually involve reading chapters and articles, so this was great to go through the whole period in a few hours.
Despite the book being written by a professor, the information and details are presented clearly and anyone would be able to enjoy this book. There are some primary sources included too, which is great. The topics covered are varied and include aspects such as the standard of living. This is why I would highly recommend the book.
The Industrial Revolution by Robert Allen
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My rating: 5/5 Stars
Would I recommend it: yes
Published by: Oxford University Press
Year it was published:
Format: Paperback
Genre(s):
Pages: 144
About the author: Robert Allen is Global Distinguished Professor of Economic History at New York University, Abu Dhabi, and a Senior Research Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford. After receiving his doctorate from Harvard, he lectured at the University of British Columbia, before moving to Oxford where he was Professor of Economic History until 2013. Allen has written on English agricultural history, international competition in the steel industry, the extinction of whales, the global history of wages, prices, and living standards, and contemporary policies on education.
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This is my kind of bite-sized learning, although what is it they say? “A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing” – I am only speaking for myself you understand! 🙂 – There is such an excellent choice of titles in the series, not all of which would interest me, no matter how short they are – but there would plenty of others to keep me going for a while!
Mrs Yvonne D Gill recently posted…The Secrets Of Summer Houseby Rachel BurtonBlog TourReview
I am looking at a few other books in the series. These will be great when I’m back in London, to read on the tube something that is less heavy to carry around. :))
It’s always nice when accurate and interesting books like this are written for the general public. It’s a good way to get folks interested in learning things in depth.
Kelly recently posted…A green Wednesday
Yes, I agree. I like that these books are written in a style that is easy to understand for anyone, even without a background on the subject, which is great.