Entertaining and absorbing The Sunday Times
A wonderfully written and entertaining book which places Britain under the microscope and asks who we are today and how weve changed as a nation.
In 1841 there were 734 female midwives working in Britain, along with 9 artificial eye makers, 20 peg makers, 6 stamp makers and 1 bee dealer. Fast forward nearly two centuries and there are 51,000 midwives working in the UK and not an eye maker in sight!
For the past two centuries, through the Census and national surveys, the Office for National Statistics and its predecessors have charted the lives of the British: our jobs, home lives and strange cultural habits. With questions on occupation, housing, religion, travel and family, the Census findings have informed the economy, politics, and every other national matter. Its collected data forms the single most valuable ongoing historical resource of modern times.
Now, for the first time ever, The Official History of Britain collects these findings into a wonderfully written and entertaining book by Boris Starling and assisted by the ONS statistical advisor, David Bradbury. Delving deep into statistics surrounding our occupations, our working lives, relationships; our quirks, habits, weird interests and cultural beliefs, and, of course, the latest findings on the Covid-19 pandemic, The Official History of Britain places Britain under the microscope and asks who we are and how weve changed as a nation.
Dive into a fascinating exploration of British society with Boris Starling's *The Official History of Britain: Our Story in Numbers as Told by the Office for National Statistics*. This captivating hardcover edition, published by HarperCollins, offers a unique lens through which to understand the evolution of a nation, using the wealth of data meticulously collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) over the past two centuries. Starling, known for his thrilling crime novels and keen eye for detail, teams up with ONS statistical advisor David Bradbury to present a narrative that is both informative and immensely readable. Forget dry statistics this book transforms raw data into compelling stories. Unearth the changing landscape of British professions, from the decline of traditional trades like artificial eye making to the dramatic increase in midwives. Explore shifts in family structures, religious beliefs, and cultural habits. Discover how the Census, a historical resource of unparalleled value, has shaped our understanding of British identity and influenced economic and political decisions. *The Official History of Britain* isn't just about the past; it also offers a timely reflection on the present. Gain insights into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on British society, as revealed through the latest ONS findings. Starling masterfully weaves together historical trends and contemporary challenges, prompting readers to consider who we are as a nation and how we've transformed over time. Beyond the numbers, this book delves into the quirky and unique aspects of British life. Discover fascinating facts about our leisure activities, consumer habits, and evolving social attitudes. Starling's engaging writing style brings these statistics to life, making complex data accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. This meticulously researched and thoughtfully written book provides a comprehensive overview of British society, making it an essential read for anyone interested in history, sociology, or the social sciences. Whether you're a student, a researcher, or simply a curious reader, *The Official History of Britain* offers a fresh perspective on the forces that have shaped modern Britain. Perfect for fans of social history, data analysis, and anyone looking to understand the complexities of British identity. At 240 pages, this book is a substantial read packed with historical data and engaging insights. Weighing in at 410g, it's a sturdy hardcover that will look great on any bookshelf. The ISBN-13 is 9780008412197, making it easy to find and order. Don't miss this opportunity to explore Britain's story through the lens of its official statistics.