The Victorians possessed a profound sense of vision, driving their ambition and their relentless pursuit of societal improvement. This illustrated survey examines the methods by which Victorians constructed a modern world, both within their domestic and public spheres and across the expanding global reach of their Empire. Their achievements were fueled by a potent mix of technological innovation, burgeoning trade, and the adoption of new ideas.

Published to coincide with a major exhibition at the V & A, this book offers a broad survey of Victorian society and its drive for modernization. The content focuses on the technological, economic, and ideological forces that shaped the era, both domestically and within the context of the British Empire. The approach suggests a comprehensive overview intended for a general audience interested in the Victorian period.