This work investigates the underlying causes and long-term trajectory of British economic growth between 1856 and 1973, specifically questioning why the post-World War II era experienced such distinct performance compared to the preceding century. The authors, prominent economists and historians, utilize extensive statistical datasets and historical analysis to construct a framework that evaluates productivity, capital accumulation, and labor market shifts. They argue that the post-war acceleration was not an isolated phenomenon but a result of specific structural changes and international economic conditions that diverged from Victorian and Edwardian patterns.

Economists and historians frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for understanding the structural evolution of the British economy. Readers often note the high density of the prose and the rigorous reliance on quantitative data, making it a standard text for academic study in economic history.