In Britain's Genetic Empire: A Century of Eugenics David Peace offers a rich and original insight into the history and legacy of eugenic thinking, tracing the quiet evolution of eugenic concepts as they were seamlessly integrated into the work of twentieth-century economists, doctors, and policymakers. Built on extensive sources and rigorous methodology, it nevertheless remains a pleasure to read for a broad academic audience. Britain provides a distinctive setting for the history of the eugenic imagination both before and after the Second World War, at a time when eugenics remains a troubling reference point in most parts of the world. Peace's study on history, policies and legacy of eugenics fills not only a significant gap but also stands as a fundamental resource for understanding eugenics across successive social historical periods in the long twentieth century.

Judit Sándor, Professor, Central European University, Vienna

David Peace has it right: eugenics has always been about imagining the future, then taking action. The fantasies and nightmares of eugenic imaginations have driven some of the most horrific decisions in history. Peace's scholarship impressively searches behind the curtains of eugenics decision-making in 20th century Britain to uncover the socio-technical imagination of eugenic campaigners, those wannabe heroes of improvement and suppression. For him, eugenics was less about the how and more about the why. He smartly explores how innovations in science supercharged eugenic imaginations and emboldened campaigners to act. The moral of this story is a profound lesson for our time.

Joe Cain, University College London, UK