This author holds a professorship in History at the University of Warwick, a position she has maintained since 1998. She is recognized as a Fellow of both the British Academy and the Royal Historical Society. Her scholarly work delves into profound historical analyses, informed by her extensive teaching experience. Her expertise in the field is widely acknowledged within academic communities.
Targeting teachers and students, this book explores British social and economic history, alongside the evolution of economic thought and the development of science and technology. It provides insights into the interplay between these fields, making it a valuable resource for understanding historical contexts and their impacts on contemporary issues.
The essays in this book explore the internal organisation of production before the development of the factory system.
Eileen Power, a pioneering medieval historian and advocate for women's suffrage, transformed the field of economic and social history during the interwar years. Her engaging writing style and passionate lectures made complex subjects accessible and appealing, influencing a generation. Despite her significant contributions, including major works on trade and comparative economic history, her legacy faded after her untimely death at fifty-one. Maxine Berg's narrative revitalizes Power's story, highlighting her unique blend of scholarship and personality as a groundbreaking figure in women's history.
The book delves into the impact of luxury consumer goods on the homes of Britain's urban middle classes in the eighteenth century. It examines how items like mahogany secretaires and porcelain tea ware not only transformed domestic spaces but also played a crucial role in driving the first industrial revolution through their production. Maxine Berg reveals the intricate relationship between consumer culture and industrial development, highlighting the significance of these luxury items in shaping societal norms and economic changes of the era.