THE BIRTH OF MODERN BRITAIN. A JOURNEY INTO BRITAIN'S ARCHAEOLOGICAL PAST: 1550 TO THE PRESENT. by Pryor, Francis - 2011

London: Harper, 2011. 299 pp, 9 1/2" H. Colour plates. "The pioneers of agricultural and industrial revolutions were often far too busy innovating and making things to record what was taking place around them, but fortunately for us the buildings and machines they left behind can bring the period vividly to life. During the Second World War, the imminent threat of invasion, combined with the intense pressure of events, meant that the construction of strong defences was much more important than keeping precise records. As a result, when whole towns were flattened, archaeology provided the only real means of discovering what had been destroyed. Surveying the whole post-medieval period, from 1550 to the present day, (this book) ranges over topics as diverse as the beginnings of modern agriculture, the growth of towns and cities, and the development of roads, canals and railways. With his customary wit and erudition, Francis Pryor brings to a gripping conclusion his illuminating study of Britain's hidden past." Light toning to the edges of the text block, slight lean to the spine, very light wrinkling at the bottom of the spine. Dust jacket has very light wrinkling to the top/bottom of the spine.. Second Printing. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.