About the book
1990s
The 1990s brought the twentieth century to a close with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. The Cold War had ended, digital technology was entering everyday life and a new political language promised renewal, while Britpop, football and changing television reflected a confident popular culture.
1990s follows Britain through politics, royalty, music, science, sport and social change. It considers economic recovery and cultural celebration alongside recession, public tragedy and debate about the monarchy and national identity. Mobile phones and the internet began to reshape communication, even before their full impact was understood. The book captures a country looking forward while reassessing its institutions and recent past. As the concluding volume of The Complete British 20th Century, it connects the decade’s events with changes that had unfolded since 1900 and asks what kind of Britain was entering the new millennium.