This book investigates the complex and multifaceted experience of British immigrants in the United States during a pivotal period of industrialization and societal transformation. Rowland Tappan Berthoff, a historian specializing in American social history, draws upon extensive archival research to examine the patterns of migration, settlement, and integration of British peoples into the burgeoning American industrial landscape. The work analyzes the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped their lives, from their initial arrival to their assimilation into American society over more than a century and a half.

Berthoff's study is recognized as a significant contribution to the understanding of immigrant experiences in industrial America, offering a comprehensive historical account. The book is valued for its thorough research and detailed examination of the British immigrant community's integration into the American social fabric. Its scope provides a deep dive into the challenges and successes of this particular immigrant group during a transformative era of American history.