Synopses & Reviews
In 1900, where Churchill ended the fourth volume of his
History of the English-Speaking Peoples, the United States had not yet emerged onto the world scene as a great power. Meanwhile, the British Empire was in decline but did not yet know it. Any number of other powers might have won primacy in the twentieth century and beyond, including Germany, Russia, possibly even France. Yet the coming century was to belong to the English-speaking peoples, who successively and successfully fought the Kaiser's Germany, Axis aggression and Soviet Communism, and who are now struggling against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism.
Andrew Roberts brilliantly reveals what made the English-speaking people the preeminent political culture since 1900, and how they have defended their primacy from the many assaults upon them. What connects those countries where the majority of the population speaks English as a first language—the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies and Ireland—is far greater than what separates them, and the development of their history since 1900 has been a phenomenal success story.
Authoritative and engrossing, A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900 is an enthralling account of the century in which the political culture of one linguistic world-grouping comprehensively triumphed over all others. Roberts's History proves especially invaluable as the United States today looks to other parts of the English-speaking world as its best, closest and most dependable allies.
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“Roberts has interesting and perceptive things to say about the more exotic aspects of the Anglo-Saxon diaspora.” Richard Overy, The Sunday Telegraph
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“A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900 is written with verve.” The Financial Times
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“In Andrew Roberts, the Anglo-American Special Relationship has found an advocate of Churchillian eloquence.” Niall Ferguson, The Mail on Sunday
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“Roberts is one of Britains most talented and stylish young historians.” Benjamin Schwarz, The Atlantic Monthly
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“This book is more entertaining than many novels.” Allan Massie, The Daily Telegraph
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“Andrew Roberts has justly made a reputation for himself as one of todays leading young British historians.” Alistair Horne, The Wall Street Journal
Synopsis
A sequel to Sir Winston Churchill's four-part History of the English-Speaking Peoples documents events from the past century, recounting the rise of the United States and other nations while outlining their struggles against numerous challengers. By the author of Waterloo. 40,000 first printing.
About the Author
Andrew Roberts is the author of Masters and Commanders and A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900. His other books include Napoleon and Wellington, Eminent Churchillians, and Salisbury, which won the Wolfson History Prize. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he holds a PhD in history from Cambridge University and writes regularly for The Wall Street Journal and The Daily Beast. He lives in New York City.