The first single-volume history of the mutual relations between the constituent parts of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), made topical by the recent devolution developments in Scotland and Wales.
By comparison with the United States, the history of the United Kingdom as an undivided entity has been quite short. This book describes the history of each constituent part, their interaction, and the effect of external events. As soon as British history is seen as an integral part of world (especially European) history, the perspective alters drastically.
Until 1803 France was optimistically assumed to be part of the realm. Less than a century elapsed between 1829, when the grant of a very restricted franchise to Catholics made the inclusion of Ireland more than a political fiction, to 1922, when the Irish Free State emerged. Scotland, with England the main constituent of the UK since 1707, has retained its own legal system, administration and established church (the Queen changes her religion each time she passes Berwick). Wales retains a distinctive culture and language, albeit one on an expensive life-support machine.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
“A hugely enjoyable read, full of vigour and liveliness...a great achievement. As well as its giftedness as narrative, it is shot through with lively and provocative commentary...a good book for the intelligent general reader; for the natural constituency that purchases the BBC History Magazine every month. It will inform and instruct in an accessible way that none of its obvious rivals can match.” – John Morrill, Professor of British and Irish History, Selwyn College, Cambridge
It is often forgotten that by comparison with, for example, the United States, the history of the United Kingdom as an undivided entity has been quite short.
In 'The Four Nations' – England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – Frank Welsh comprehensively describes the history of each constituent part of the British Isles, their interaction, and the effect of internal and external events from pre-Roman times to the present day. Along the way many commonly accepted views of history, as well as many cherished myths, are re-examined, and a number of awkward questions are posed.
Just how vulnerable is the history of the united Kingdom? What loyalty does it command? To what extent were Scotland, Wales and Ireland really the victims of predatory English aggression? Why is it necessary for the Queen to change her religion each time she passes Berwick-upon-Tweed? What will be the effect of the new assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland? And how serious is the increasingly frequently evoked spectre of fragmentation?
Written with the gusto and accessibility that characterised Frank Welsh's acclaimed histories of South Africa and Hong Kong, and full of unexpected anomalies and provocative insights, 'The Four Nations'is an invaluable and comprehensive single-volume history of the component parts of the United Kingdom which will be enjoyed by readers of all ages and persuasions.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
£ 4.80
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Shipping:
£ 12
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002444041
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780002571791
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Goldstone Books, Llandybie, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). All orders are dispatched within one working day from our UK warehouse. We've been selling books online since 2004! We have over 750,000 books in stock. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied. Seller Inventory # mon0006116790
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Reuseabook, Gloucester, GLOS, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL9659005
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780002571791
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3825023
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Kennys Bookstore, Olney, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). 2002. Hardcover. Clean copy. Fine in dust jacket. DJ has minor wear and tear to edges but remains very good. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # KOG0006199
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Greener Books, London, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). Ex-Library Copy **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 4361558
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Condition: Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). 2002. Hardcover. Clean copy. Fine in dust jacket. DJ has minor wear and tear to edges but remains very good. . . . . Seller Inventory # KOG0006199
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Westwood Books, Cramlington, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Well-illustrated (illustrator). Harper Collins, London, 2002. Hard cover. Book condition : Very good. Very clean text. Appears little read.Superb photographs. Heavy book may incur extra postage. Book will be sent by UK postal service. Inventory #AF018698. Seller Inventory # 018698
Quantity: 1 available