English Society in the Eighteenth Century

By: Roy Porter

Narrated by: Simon Vance

In this boldly drawn portrait of 18th-century England, Roy Porter defines a nation from its princes to its paupers, from its metropolis to its smallest hamlet. The topics covered run the gamut, covering diet, housing, prisons, rural festivals, bordellos, plays, paintings, and work and wages.

Roy Porter's new edition of his celebrated book of English cultural history was revised in light of changes in the climate of debate that occurred in the seven years after its first publication.

©1990 Roy Porter (P)2005 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Vivid, witty, and entertaining...easily the best general account of eighteenth-century society that we have." ( New York Review of Books)

love english society novels

Would you listen to English Society in the Eighteenth Century again? Why?

yes - very curious about this era in English society

What was one of the most memorable moments of English Society in the Eighteenth Century?

the monarchy

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I always try to find books read by Simon Vance because he is such a perfectionist

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

it was almost all very interesting

Any additional comments?

I would like to find other novels of similar subject

Academic as heck

This is a wonderful source for academics studying the 18th century. By no means light reading, it is incredibly dense historical information compiled into one source. wonderful for further discussion on social hierarchy and the increasing wealth gap of the times!

Too much detail

Although I'm interested in the subject, it went into too much detail for me as a layman historian. It might be good for the scholars who thrive on the details that most of us aren't interested in.

Worth multiple listens

This is the third time that I have listened to this social history of the 18th century. I like it just as much now, as the first. It is very much like the time traveler books by Ian Mortimer without the kitsch. For students and lovers of history alike.

Excellent

Porter's books were always good and this is no exception. Themes are examined across a number of aspects of eighteenth century English History and Porter manages to mix entertainment and education. This was a set text when I was covering this period at University last year