This 2nd volume on Hobsbawm's 'long' 19th Century describes the explosion of railroads, the growth of steam transport in general & of the telegraph - all fueling a growing globalization. First published in 1975, this book remains important for students of the industrial age, & of the 19th Century in general. ( )

A clear and detailed discussion of the period from a sophisticated left wing perspective. I once met the man on a coach going to London when we were both on the way to demonstrate against the cruise missiles. He is a quiet unassuming man and committed to a better world based on a honest view of the current one. ( )