New Lives, New Landscapes Revisited: Rural Modernity in Britain

New Lives, New Landscapes, Nan Fairbrother's book from 1970 described how the British landscape was changed after World War II. A new rural modernity emerged in the middle decades of the 20th century as a result of the changing relationship between the government, the state, and the citizen. This edited collection of essays examines how this relationship shaped the new landscapes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the post-war decades, the British landscape underwent a remarkable transformation, as documented in Nan Fairbrother's influential book, "New Lives, New Landscapes." This optimistic account highlighted the various ways in which the country's physical landscape was altered. Reservoirs, power stations, television and radio transmitter masts, electricity and telephone pylons, local authority housing, and improved roads all contributed to the creation of a new rural character. Additionally, state-subsidized agricultural intensification, expanded public access to the countryside, and environmentally protective measures further shaped this landscape. These measures included the designation of National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Fairbrother's approach was centered around the simultaneous transformation in how British people interacted with these new landscapes in an era of increased mobility. This edited collection of essays, "New Lives, New Landscapes Revisited: Rural Modernity in Britain," offers a fresh historical perspective on Fairbrother's concerns. It delves into how the evolving relationship between government, state, and citizen gave rise to a distinct rural modernity during the middle decades of the twentieth century.

The book explores various aspects of this rural modernity, including the impact of technology on rural life, the changing nature of agriculture, and the development of rural communities. It also examines the social and cultural implications of these changes, such as the rise of suburbanization and the decline of traditional rural practices.

Through a comprehensive analysis of primary sources, secondary literature, and contemporary scholarship, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the rural transformation in Britain. It sheds light on the complex interplay between political, economic, and social factors that shaped this period and offers valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing rural communities in the modern world.

In conclusion, "New Lives, New Landscapes Revisited: Rural Modernity in Britain" is a valuable contribution to the field of rural studies. It offers a fresh perspective on the post-war transformation of the British landscape and provides valuable insights into the complex processes that shaped rural modernity. By exploring the changing relationship between government, state, and citizen, the book sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities in the modern world.

Weight: 822g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267455