Provides a comprehensive introduction to central aspects of culture and the arts in Britain today, and uses a factual approach to place them within a clear, historical context.

Topics include:

--the social and cultural setting: politics and society 1950-1999, including immigration, feminism, Thatcherism and the arts and the Blair revolution

--language and culture: accents and minority languages, broadcasting and public life

--the novel, poetry and theatre

--cinema: Hammer Horror, James Bond, Ealing comedies, black British film, Trainspotting, The Full Monty and historical epics

--television and radio: soap opera, crime series and sitcoms

--popular music and fashion: The Beatles, punk, Britpop, subculture and style

--art and sculpture: Bacon, Hockney, Gilbert and George and Hirst

--architecture and interiors

Each chapter focuses on key themes of recent years, and gives special emphasis to outstanding artists within each area.</P>