Book excerpt: This book skilfully intertwines three main themes in the growth and expression of management. The essential component to understanding of context is established through a stark exposition of the conditions of society in the 18th and 19th centuries. From these is drawn the, until now, unrecognised precursor of major change: the establishment of mass education. This was achieved through the wayward genius of the charismatic teacher Joseph Lancaster who, despite his struggles with the Church and his own foibles, was able through his attractively cheap plan and dominant guiding idea to bring mass education to Britain, then Europe, the USA, the Americas and much of the world, enabling the institution of the first and second industrial revolutions. This occurred in parallel with the remarkable growth of what was to become modern and financial management. The practical case studies also included in the text, usefully highlight the merits and demerits of major societal transformations. An invaluable and essential contribution to the creation of a new paradigm for Management Studies, this important exposition with its emphasis on the human element and experience, is relevant to all students, teachers and practitioners of management; from school, college and university levels to the postgraduate and experienced management practitioner.