English Society in the 18th Century: Second Edition

by Roy Porter

Book Overview

A portrait of 18th century England, from its princes to its paupers, from its metropolis to its smallest hamlet. The topics covered include - diet, housing, prisons, rural festivals, bordellos, plays, paintings, and work and wages.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140138196
• ISBN13: 9780140138191
• Release Date: September 1990
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Great historic review

I really enjoyed this book. I love history and this adds to my knowledge.

Helpful History

Both as a student of history and a "wannabe" writer of historical fiction, I find Mr. Porter's book an excellent reference. His unique style keeps the information both interesting and entertaining; not the usual dry material we expect in historical records. I highly recommend this vivid narrative to anyone interested in England in the fascinating 18th century.

A Pure Delight

I come late to Porter, and I certainly wish I hadn't. It's almost enough to make me surrender my credentials as a dyed-in-the-wool lover of English History. The deceased physician-cum-historian was a prolific writer, turning out works on subjects as diverse as English manners and the social history of gout. But having now read two of his books, including this excellent overview of English society in the Georgian period, I realize what all the (quiet) fuss was about. Porter was simply a fabulous writer who happened to be an historian, the opposite too often not being the case. I doubt very much there is a better source in this subject for the general reader than this book. But if you buy it, by all means read it slowly and take time to savor the writing. The good news for me is that I have a lot of Porter yet to read, and I can't wait.

History at its best!

Interesting and thought-provoking. As always, Roy Porter has written a wonderful book---of use to both the general reader and the specialist. The book is filled with wonderful characters, fascinating facts and, of course, Porter's insightful analysis. Porter once commented that he met a student reading this book on a train. When he asked the student (who did not know who he was) what he thought of the book, the student replied that it was boring (Porter thought this story was hilarious). I have to wonder what planet the student was on! This is the kind of book you only wished your professors had assigned!

Immensely interesting!

I enjoyed this book so much that I look forward to reading more of Porter's books.Some readers may find it necessary to keep a dictionary close by, but don't let this put you off if you are interested in the social history of England in the 18th century. The author manages to balance dry statistics with extremely interesting facts, all written in a reader-friendly manner. Chapter headings such as "Power, Politics and the Law" and "Having and Enjoying" give you an idea of the wide scope of the book. The reader will find more enjoyment in reading 18th century works (novels, biography and non-fiction) after being educated by this book. I oftentimes read, then sell my books. This is one I will not sell. I only wish I had it in hardcover.If "What Jane Austen Knew and Charles Dickens Ate" (sic) left you crying for some serious information about this age, I recommend this book!