The "long eighteenth century" in British history--the period from 1688 to 1832--defies easy characterization. Blending narrative chapters with more solid analysis, this study by a leading historian provides a fresh and cogent account of the period, introducing a wide audience to both the contours of the age and the genuine excitement of recent debate in this regard. Not only does this book cover more of the 18th century than most other works on the...