In recent years, traditional views of a rapidly growing British economy between 1700 and 1850 have been overturned by convincing new research indicating that British economic growth was, in fact, relatively slow during much of the so-called industrial "revolution". This revisionist work, which is certain to profoundly affect any future scholarship on the subject, is the first to give a fully documented account of the new picture of British economic development that has recently emerged. Bringing together the results of the latest research, Crafts explores how the new growth estimates hold vital implications for our understanding of productivity, living standards, structural change, and international trade in 18th- and 19th-century Britain.

Why did the industrial revolution take place in 18th century Britain and not elsewhere in Europe or Asia? Robert Allen argues that the British industrial revolution was a successful response to the global economy of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Highlights the interactions between institutions and policy choices, as well as the importance of historical constraints on Britain's relative economic decline.

Beginning at the time of the revolution in 1688, and ending in the 1950s, this book sets out to establish the main quantitative features of the British economy over as long a period as available statistics permit. Topics include changes in the population structure, industrial structure and more.

The industrial revolution of Britain is recognized today as a model for industrialization all over the world. Now with a new introduction by the author, this book is widely renowned as a classic text for students of this key period.

This is the first systematic quantitative account of British economic growth from the thirteenth century to the Industrial Revolution.