A History of Modern Britain: 1714 to the Present

A History of Modern Britain: 1714 to the Present presents a lively introduction to the history of the modern British Isles from the Hanoverian succession to the present day. The book conveys the broad sweep of the period’s major events with particular emphasis placed on observing Britain's past from a global context, including imperialism's role in shaping social, economic, and political developments at home. Ellis Wasson explores the relationships between Great Britain's three nations – Scotland, England, and Wales – and Ireland, and the development of their unique national identities. He also discusses controversies that remain in dispute between historians today and reflects on new perspectives in British history.

The story is punctuated throughout with description of fascinating personalities from Britain's past, from celebrated statesmen to lesser known characters, including the eighteenth-century shopkeeper Thomas Turner, the arsonist James Aitken, the female adventurer Jane Digby, the celebrity footballer George Best and the writer Dorothy Sayers. The vignettes complement the broader story and give the reader a sense of the rich variety of British life during the modern era. The book is accompanied by a companion website, including online supplements and a preliminary chapter covering events from 1688.

A History of Modern Britain provides readers with a firm understanding of the period of Britain's history that defined its role in the modern world.