The Early English Cotton Industry: With Some Unpublished Letters of Samuel Crompton by William Cunningham is a comprehensive historical study that delves into the origins, development, and transformation of the cotton industry in England from its earliest days through the Industrial Revolution. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, including previously unpublished letters from Samuel Crompton-the inventor of the spinning mule-Cunningham meticulously traces the evolution of cotton manufacturing, examining the technological innovations, economic forces, and social changes that shaped the industry. The book explores the transition from domestic, cottage-based spinning and weaving to the rise of large-scale factories powered by water and steam. Cunningham provides detailed accounts of the lives and labor of workers, the organization of production, and the impact of inventions such as the spinning jenny, water frame, and spinning mule. He also discusses the roles of key figures, including Richard Arkwright, James Hargreaves, and Samuel Crompton, whose ingenuity revolutionized textile production. Cunningham situates the cotton industry within the broader context of English economic history, analyzing the interplay between agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. He investigates the effects of government policies, the growth of export markets, and the challenges posed by competition and technological change. The inclusion of Samuel Crompton's letters offers unique insights into the personal struggles, ambitions, and achievements of one of the era's most important inventors. Rich in detail and scholarly analysis, The Early English Cotton Industry is an essential resource for understanding the foundations of modern industrial society. It illuminates the complex web of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social transformation that propelled England to the forefront of the global textile trade and laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution.