World We Have Lost

Before the Industrial Revolution, life in England was different than what we know today. People lived shorter lives, treated their children differently, had different levels of literacy, and did not always live in the same villages. The book "The World We Have Lost" by Laslett challenged many of the beliefs about this time period and caused a sociological turn in English history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The World We Have Lost, a renowned work of historical writing, holds a pivotal place in shaping our understanding of the past and the intricacies of family life in England. Instead of focusing on grand narratives, author Peter Laslett delves into the everyday lives of people during this period. He raises thought-provoking questions such as: How long did individuals live? How were children treated? Did they have sufficient access to food? What were the levels of literacy?

Laslett's groundbreaking research challenged prevailing notions and shed light on previously unknown aspects of pre-industrial England. Contrary to popular belief, girls did not typically marry in their early teens but rather worked before settling down at ages similar to those seen today. Most people did not reside in extended families or spend their entire lives in the same villages. Furthermore, Laslett delves into the roles of servants, the gentry, migration patterns, work, and social mobility.

The World We Have Lost not only revolutionized our understanding of the past but also had a significant impact on the field of sociology. It marked a significant sociological shift in early modern English history and continues to be as captivating and relevant as when it was first published. This Routledge Classics edition features a new Foreword by Kevin Schürer, adding further insight to the timeless work.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367705329