Between 1642 and 1780, powerful social forces transformed Wales from an impoverished, downtrodden, and sleepy nation to one on the threshold of unprecedented social, economic, and political change. Drawing on an extensive range of original and published material, Jenkins reveals how demographic growth, agrarian advancements, the development of heavy industries and trade, and improved communications created the foundation for modern Wales. Among the colorful and influential personalities who appear in this book are Vavasor Powell, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Edward Lhuyd, and Sir Humphrey Mackworth.