An excellent biography of potter, entrepreneur and businessman Josiah Wedgwood which goes way beyond the life to encompass manufacturing, business, international trade and industrialisation in all their complexities. As the sub-title suggests, this is not just about the Potteries but about the transformation of Britain from a largely rural agricultural society to the powerhouse of industry which it became during these years, in large part due to the vison and innovative thinking of Wedgwood and others like him. Hunt fully explores Wedgwood’s contribution to this changing environment. The book sadly also chronicles the decline of the Wedgwood Company (and manufacturing in general) after his death. None of his children were capable of or willing to carry on his legacy. And then rapacious capitalism dealt the Potteries their death blow. A very depressing note to end on. How could we let it all go so wrong? Josiah Wedgwood was a remarkable man and Hunt pays him due homage. I found this a fascinating account of his life and times – and even learnt why we talk about potholes in our crumbling road system. A great read.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience