This work represents a major survey of research which succeeds in opening up new perspectives on a number of European countries. The theme of social inequality is divided into sections on income, property, employment, education, housing, illness and death. The author finally attempts to develop a number of arguments about the relationship between industrialisation and social inequality, which are likely to stimulate further debate.

Dr. Hartmut Kaelble obtained his D.Phil in 1966 at the Free University of Berlin, where he became Professor of Social and Economic History in 1971.