Publication date UK format 13/9/22 book 168 pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review. all my reviews are honest.
Synopsis
An insightful account of how the Industrial Revolution transformed Britain from a largely agricultural society to the workshop of the world. Perfect for readers of Jeremy Paxman, Niall Ferguson, and Ruth Goodman. Technological advances and inventions during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries paved the way for monumental changes in the economic, social and political makeup of Britain. E. R. Chamberlin charts how the laying of new roads, railways and canals allowed inhabitants and goods to become much more mobile, how steam power, developments of the textile industry and agriculture as well as increasing demand for coal and iron transformed Britain, and he uncovers many of the remarkable inventors, from Thomas Telford to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who made it all possible. The Awakening Giant provides a fascinating window into what it was like to live in these emerging industrial towns and ports where whole families toiled in squalid conditions for long hours and diseases spread viciously in their tenement slums. Yet, while some struggled, others prospered and Chamberlin also uncovers the lives of the emerging middle classes who moved to suburban mansions and were waited on by an army of servants. Chamberlin’s gripping study provides a thorough account of the Industrial Revolution, examining not just what developments took place during this period, but also how these changes affected the lives of British people.
My Review
This was a brilliant and very interesting book. I was so engrossed in it from the start. This book looks at the changes in job, transport and roles of men and women in the lead up and during the industrial revolution. I have read a few books around this subject and this was so far the best I have read. It was so interesting and I learnt so much from reading this book. I especially loved reading about the evolution from mostly men's roles to mostly women and children's work as their hands were smaller. Also what life was like for those, especially children. I was especially shocked at the treatment of those children especially the chimney sweeps. The author wrote this book so well and it flowed perfectly. I definitely became emotionally reading this book. It actually creating a great sense of atmosphere which is so very rare in non fiction books. This book was definitely close to getting that 5th star. I qas enjoying it that much that I was gutted when it ended. The only thing I did not get about this book was its title. For me it didn't match the books content. I definitely recommend reading this book if you want to learn more about what life was like during the industrial revolution. You won't be disappointed. I also loved learning about the development of different housing styles it was extremely interesting.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this wonderful history in such a unique and wonderful way. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this amazing author.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US K UNLIMITED OR $4.99 PB $10.99
Waterstones PB £9.99
B&N PB $ 10.99
Amazon UK K UNLIMITED OR £3.99, PB £9.99
All prices are subject to change at any time. Please remember to review all books you finish reading so others can find these amazing books. All reviews help just remember not to tell people what the book is about as everyone has already read the synopsis. Just include what you liked and felt when reading the book. HAPPY READING