Exploring the origins of marketing thought and practice in the United Kingdom.

Purpose: This paper reviews the contents of the special issue. Design/methodology/approach: Review article. Findings: This special issue provides a realistic view of marketplace dynamics. These are often a stark contrast to those found in many marketing textbooks. Contextually, it differs from much of the extant literature via its focus on the United Kingdom. Originality/value: The special issue engages with a context, series of industries and practices that continue to be underrepresented in marketing history and the history of marketing thought.