This text reviews the changing role, and diminishing influence, of Britain within the international economy across the century that saw the apogee and loss of Britain's Empire, and her transformation from globe-straddling superpower to off-shore and indecisive member of the European Community.

Michael Young is one of the key figures in British twentieth century history. Focusing on family, community and social change, he has cascaded ideas, in the process coining new words, like 'meritocracy'. He has also initiated or played a major role in creating new and well-known organisations. These include the Consumers' Association, the Open University, and the National and International Extension Colleges. In 1945 he drafted the Labour Party's successful election manifesto Let Us Face the Future: in 1965 he was the first Chairman of the new Social Science Research Council.

Now covering the whole of Europe from the French Revolution to the present day, this major new edition has been completely revised and brought up-to-date. The approach embraces the whole continent from both national and regional perspectives, and combines political survey with grass roots 'people' history. Bringing this history vividly to life, the authors use a very broad range of sources including memoirs, archives, letters, songs and newspapers. In particular, there is new treatment of the following themes:

• Religion and the modern Papacy
• Immigration in Europe and...