How did the political, social, and economic structures of England evolve during the transition from the Victorian era to the outbreak of the First World War? R.C.K. Ensor, a distinguished historian and journalist, provides a comprehensive examination of the period between 1870 and 1914. He utilizes a blend of political analysis, economic data, and social observation to argue that this era represents a distinct epoch of transformation, moving from the stability of mid-Victorian liberalism toward the complexities of modern industrial democracy.

Historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the late Victorian and Edwardian eras due to its meticulous detail and narrative clarity. While some modern scholars note that the political focus reflects the historiographical trends of the mid-20th century, it remains a standard reference for the period.