The Industrial Revolution is central to the teaching of economic history. It has also been key to historical research on the commercial expansion of Western Europe, the rise of factories, coal and iron production, the proletarianization of labour, and the birth and worldwide spread of industrial capitalism. However, perspectives on the Industrial Revolution have changed significantly in recent years. The interdisciplinary approach of Reinventing the Economic History of Industrialisation - with contributions on the history of consumption, material culture, and cultural histories of science and technology - offers a more global perspective, arguing for an interpretation of the industrial revolution based on global interactions that made technological innovation and the spread of knowledge possible. Through this new lens, it becomes clear that industrialising processes started earlier and lasted longer than previously understood. Reflecting on the major topics of concern for economic historians over the past generation, Reinventing the Economic History of Industrialisation brings this area of study up to date and points the way forward.

Kristine Bruland is professor emeritus at the University of Oslo.

Kristine Bruland's profile page

Anne Gerritsen teaches the history of China and global history at the University of Warwick, and the history of Asian art at the University of Leiden.

Anne Gerritsen's profile page

Pat Hudson is emeritus professor of economic history at Cardiff University and honorary vice-president of the Economic History Society.

Pat Hudson's profile page

Giorgio Riello is professor of global history and culture at the University of Warwick, on leave to the Department of History and Civilization, European University Institute.

Giorgio Riello's profile page