This important new work, written by a team of experts in their various fields, examines the history of the Company over the past two centuries, including the recent impact of new technology on a rapidly changing industry. Particular pains have been taken to produce a work that is both authoritative and readable, which will take its place alongside Cyprian Blagden's history of the Company, published in 1960. The present book amply demonstrates the Company's role as an active City livery company that exercises its subtle influence nationally.