This book surveys the history of Wales from 1485-1971. It explores a
society that was dominated by the landed gentry, then divided at the
Industrial Revolution, which transformed the face and fortune of Wales,
as well as its place in British society. In both sections the author
gives due attention to the economic and social structure before
investigating administrative, political, religious and educational
developments. There is a judicious mix of narrative and analysis in a
study based both on the author's research and on the mass of exciting
work published by Welsh historians. A sense of history has been vital in
Welsh society, as is evident from the currency given to myths from the
Middle Ages onwards and has resulted in a plethora of innovatory and
invigorating studies based on rigorous historical investigation. This
book makes an important contribution to extending the means by which
anyone with an interest in Wales may investigate that history.