As the first geographical study of interwar Britain, The Geography of Interwar Britain (originally published in 1988 and now with a new preface by the author) breaks new ground, incorporating original research and new interpretations of the work of historians and others within a geographical frame of reference.

The central argument of the book is that the state in interwar Britain intensified uneven capitalist development. State actions in many important fields, including macro-economic policy, defence, industrial rationalisation, labour and unemployment policy, local government and regional policy, are analysed in detail. These studies show that, until the later 1930s, state policies worked to the disadvantage of depressed ‘outer’ Britain and favoured the more prosperous south and midlands. However, shifts in state policies were apparent as rearmament and changes in macro-economic policies necessitated new approaches. Significantly the first stages in the creation of what became the post-1945 political consensus were evident at this time, particularly in regional and industrial location policy.

The book will be of interest to geographers, economic and social historians, political scientists, sociologists, and planners.

Stephen V. Ward is widely known internationally for his work in the field of planning history. A founder member, in 1974, and former President of the International Planning History Society 1996–2002, he remains a member of its governing Council. He is also a former editor of the refereed journal Planning Perspectives and continues as a member of its Editorial Board. Over a career spanning almost 50 years, he has published extensively, mainly on historical matters relating to planning.