Synopses & Reviews
'As for Dr Porter's study, this reviewer found it one of the most
captivating pieces he had read for a long time: his book abounds in wit, is
studded with brief but telling phrases, and reveals an unerring eye for the
relevant fact and apposite quotation'.
Paul Kennedy, The Historical Journal
'An extremely well-written, cleverly constructed book'
Andrew Porter, Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History
'The book is still the best short study of its subject...Some will
doubtless treat it as a textbook: and it is indeed full of accurate
information, telling phrases and aptly-deployed quotations, all presented
in a very lively and readable manner. In fact, it is a clear, coherent and
well substantiated interpretation...'
Iain R. Smith Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History
'A most valuable key to modern British colonial history. From this gripping
and lucid exposition, we may gather an understanding not only of the
initial intricacies of colonial problems...but of their alarming legacies.'
Gerard Douds, History Today
This lively, original and authoritative history of British imperialism from
its Victorian heyday to present times has been a favourite for some years.
For this 4th edition it has been thoroughly revised and updated, with a new
and expansive introduction exploring the problems and historiography of
`imperialism' generally, and an additional final chapter taking the story
through to the ¿new imperialism¿ of the early 21st century. Other new
features are a chronology of events, an updated bibliography, and a section
of plates illustrating various aspects of empire and imperialism.
Bernard Porter is Emeritus Professor of History, University of Newcastle.
He has published extensively in the areas of British imperial, foreign and
security service history, including The Absent Minded Imperialists:
Empire,Culture and Society (2004).
Review
'Personal preferences aside, Bernard Porter's study remains a wonderfully illuminating, eminently entertaining survey, rich in revealing insights and vivid quotations, from which readers will continue to gain enormous pleasure and enlightenment.' - Peter Burroughs's
Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History Recommended reading in BBC History Magazine, October 2006
Synopsis
"This leading general history of British imperialism, from its Victorian heyday to present times, has been thoroughly revised and updated. As well as presenting a lively narrative of events, Bernard Porter explores a number of broad analytical themes, challenging more conventional and popular interpretations. He sees imperialism as a symptom not of Britain's strength in the world, but of her decline; and he argues that the empire itself both aggravated and obscured deep-seated malaise in the British economy This is a refreshing look at one of the central aspects of British history Unrivalled, this book has been completely revised to incorporate the latest scholarship including the insights and errors of new cultural studies approaches, making it a unique work that is historiographically up-to-date and at the forefront of the debate. There is a new expansive introduction dealing with the question of 'imperialism' generally - with the reader understanding of how the term has been interpreted and distorted, and the relationships between the world-historical context of British imperialism, the expansion of trade in the 19th century and the legacy of empire. The new edition is illustrated making it visually engaging and appealing and bringing the history to life. Readers interested in British history or Imperialism
Synopsis
Revised and updated edition of this popular and challenging history of British imperialism.
- Continues to be the only student friendly text (ie balanced and ranging over decolonization as well) which covers all elements of the British empire. `The best synoptic view yet presented of the empire sine the coming of the New Imperialism.' Historical Studies.
- Well written and cleverly constructed - the combination of wit, relevant detail and quotations make it an engaging and motivating read.
Synopsis
This leading general history of British imperialism, from its Victorian heyday to present times, has been thoroughly revised and updated. As well as presenting a lively narrative of events, Bernard Porter explores a number of broad analytical themes, challenging more conventional and popular interpretations. He sees imperialism as a symptom not of Britain's strength in the world, but of her decline; and he argues that the empire itself both aggravated and obscured deep-seated malaise in the British economy. A refreshing look at one of the central aspects of British history.
About the Author
Bernard Porter is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Newcastle. His previous publications include Britannia¿s Burden: The Political Evolution of Modern Britain 1851-1990 (1994) and The Absent-Minded Imperialists: The Empire in British society and culture, 1800-1940 (2004).
Table of Contents
Introduction
0. Introduction
1. An empire in all but name: the mid-nineteenth century
2. Shifts and expedients: 1857-75
3. Conquests forced on us: 1875-90
4. Struggles for existence: 1890
5. A limited area of heather alight: 1890-1905
6. An essential compromise: 1905-14
7. Everything becomes fluid: 1914-20
8. Difficult times: 1920-39
9. Moving quickly: 1939-70
10. A sudden shift: 1970-95
11. Coming out of the closet: circa 2000
Further reading
Index