This volume investigates the political, social, and economic transformation of England during the tumultuous period spanning the two World Wars. A. J. P. Taylor, a prominent historian of the 20th century, utilizes a narrative-driven approach to synthesize complex diplomatic and domestic developments. He argues that the era was defined by a fundamental shift in the British state's role and its international standing, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the transition from the Edwardian era to the post-1945 landscape.

Historians frequently cite this work as a classic example of Taylor's sharp, provocative prose style and his ability to synthesize vast amounts of political data. While some modern scholars debate his specific interpretations of interwar diplomacy, the text remains a foundational reference for students of 20th-century British history.