A compelling and entertaining history of the British middle class'Wonderful' Financial Times'A magisterial, sweeping history' Herald'An enchanting compendium' TLS'Full of fascinating quotations and figures' Literary Review'A rollicking, affectionate romp' The Times'Gripping and illuminating' SpectatorThis is the story of the great powerhouse of British history - the middle class. The death of feudalism, the advancement of democracy, the spread of literacy, the coming of the industrial and sexual revolutions, the development of mass media - the middle class is never far away, pushing for change, engaging in philanthropy, while always mindful to protect its own interests.In this account, renowned historian Lawrence James reveals a group so familiar to many of us yet so oftenmisunderstood - disparate and constantly changing, with a materialism and hunger for advancement that are a chronicle of Britain's evolution.