A description of how England was converted into the foremost industrial, financial and territorial empire of the world and how these changes affected the lives of ordinary people. English society in 1800 was primarily agricultural and ruled by a handful of aristocratic and landed families, but the next hundred years saw the beginnings of a revolution. Using a documentary approach the author analyzes fiction and fact to present a view of the variety of life in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and the new industrial areas of the Black Country. He shows how, behind national triumphs and social facades, there lay evil scenes which moved many Victorian consciences to philanthropy and reform. This is a portrait of England at the height of her prosperity. The text is supported with illustrations, glossary and suggested further reading.