Lions Share A Short History of British Imperialism 1850 1995

'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).

Revitalised by a decade of new scholarship, previously unavailable archival material, and fresh perspectives that changing international events bring to our understanding of the past--is fully up-to-date again, while losing nothing of its original zest and vigour.

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.

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.

Further Reading.

Index.