This bibliographical handbook is the second edition, revised and extended, of Modern England, 1901–1970, published in 1976. Like the other handbooks in this series this book is designed as a ready book of reference and guide for the scholar, for the teacher, for the student, and for the general reader interested in exploring twentieth-century Britain in some depth. It is a bibliography of published material, including primary sources of knowledge (official records, memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and letters) as well as secondary sources of information (monographs, biographies, and articles). It does not provide direction to unpublished material (in public archives or elsewhere) or on microfilm.

Scholars look forward to publication of the volume in the Oxford series, Bibliography of Writings on British History, 1914–1985, now being compiled by Professor K. G. Robbins of the University of Glasgow. He writes me that his bibliography is “in an advanced stage of preparation” but does not now venture to set a date of publication of a book that will render great service, especially to professional historians and to teachers. For less advanced students and general readers, Modern England, 1901–1984 will continue to be useful as a handbook, at once available on desk or shelf.

The selection of books and articles here presented rests upon a comprehensive search of historical literature published before 1984, though a few important items published in 1984 are included. Of the major aspects of English life only literature per se is excluded.