This book breaks new ground in its analysis of how people both create and adapt to the process of industrialization. Its exploration of family relationships in the context of the workplace and of the local community offers valuable insights for both social historians and historical demographers.

By focusing upon the community and examining issues of welfare, family life, and gender as well as work and employer-employee relationships. Dupree makes a series of stimulating and persuasive contributions to understanding the nineteenth century.

By focusing upon the community and examining issues of welfare, family life, and gender as well as work and employer-employee relationships. Dupree makes a series of stimulating and persuasive contributions to understanding the nineteenth century. `a significant contribution to the ongoing analysis of the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society in 19th-century Britain...belongs in extensive British history holdings as an example of good social history.' Choice 33:4 `This study makes a substantial and significant contribution to the understanding of the nature and form of family relationships within industrial communities of the mid-nineteenth century ... Of particular value is the emphasis given to "locality" and the recognition that the processes of socio-demographic change were played out in very different contexts in mid-nineteenth century Britain.' Business History By focussing upon the community and examining issues of welfare, family life and gender as well as work and employee relationships Dupree makes a series of stimulating and persuasive contributions to understanding the nineteenth century. `This strategy of analysis is invaluable. Exact comparison of a broad range of family statistics is rare in historical community studies, but it is essential if we want to understand how local conditions influence family structure ... the book has much to offer ... For specialists in the Victorian family or those with a particular interest in the potteries, the book is essential reading.' Steven Ruggles, University of Minnesota, American Journal of Sociology