Author Don Nardo provides a comprehensive history of the economic and social changes that transpired in Britain as the Industrial Revolution pushed the country from an agrarian society to one organized around industrial manufacturing. The first industrial revolution, from 1760 to 1830, was largely confined to Britain. During this time, Britain became a leader in textile production and pioneered the use of new energy sources such as coal, petroleum, and electricity. This informative volume explores the development and impact of industrialization on Britain, discussing the benefits and subsequent drawbacks of new energy, more efficient modes of transportation, and news ways of organizing labor.