Seven analytic chapters in this book pursue the massive changes wrought in Britain between 1970 and 1990. They look in detail at the changes in international relations, landscape and townscape, social framework, family and welfare structures, economic policies and realities and government which had occurred by 1990.

1. The United Kingdom and the world : A shrinking world ; A globalizing economy ; Euro-equivocation ; Imperial aftermath ; Cold War implosion -- 2. The face of the country : A fragile landscape ; More people moving faster ; Urban utopia abandoned ; Communities old and new ; Irish tragedy -- 3. The social structure : The monarchy in trouble ; The country house revived ; Middle-class triumph ; Trade unions on the defensive ; From working class to underclass ; 'Multiculturalism'? --4. Family and welfare : Permanent sexual revolution ; New families, new women? ; A better life for the young? ; A welfare dynamic ; Old age remapped ; Friendship in flux -- 5. Industry and commerce : Corporation in crisis ; A free-market alternative ; The entrepreneur returns ; The workforce diversifies ; Free-market consumerism -- 6. Intellect and culture : Religions old and new ; Classroom counter-revolution ; University growing pains ; Cultural affluence ; Dumbing down? -- 7. Politics and government : A controversial executive ; Parliament in decline? ; A revolution in government ; Liberty comes and goes ; Conservatives transformed ; Labour on the defensive ; Privacy and publicity -- 8. Retrospect and prospect : Socialist setback ; Free-market aspirations ; Thatcherism audited ; Dystopia in prospect? ; Finding a role?.