Pax Britannica: The Climax of an Empire (Harvest/Hbj Book) - Softcover

Morris, James; Morris, James,

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0156714663 ISBN 13: 9780156714662

Publisher: Harvest Books, 1980

Synopsis

The second instalment of the Pax Britannica Trilogy by Jan Morris, recreates the British Empire at its dazzling climax - the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, celebrated as a festival of imperial strength, unity, and splendour. This classic work of history portrays a nation at the very height of its vigour and self-satisfaction, imposing on the rest of the world its traditions and tastes, its idealists and rascals.

The Pax Britannica Trilogy also includes Heaven's Command: An Imperial Progress and Farewell the Trumpets: An Imperial Retreat. Together these three works of history trace the dramatic rise and fall of the British Empire, from the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837 to the death of Winston Churchill in 1965. Jan Morris is world-renowned for her collection of travel writing and reportage, spanning over five decades and including such titles as Venice, Coronation Everest, Hong Kong, Spain, A Writer's World and most recently, Contact!

'In scholarship and humour this portrait of the British Empire before its decline and fall might, without undue optimism, be placed upon the same shelf as Edward Gibbon's history. As a survey of its subject, I doubt that Pax Britannica can ever, in this generation be surpassed.' Financial Times

About this title

Review:

'A work to which that perilous word 'classic' may now be properly applied ... In scholarship and humour this portrait of the British Empire before its decline and fall might, without undue optimism, be placed upon the same shelf as Edward Gibbon's history. As a survey of its subject, I doubt that Pax Britannica can ever, in this generation, be surpassed.' --Financial Times

'A marvellous account of what the Empire was like.' --Daily Express

'Ebulliently readable. Morris has admirably captured the confusion of the brilliance and squalor, dynamic energy and bizarre comedy that made up the imperial picture of 1897.' --The Economist

Packed with colourful and significant detail'. --New York Times Book Review

Book Description:

The second instalment of the Pax Britannica Trilogy by Jan Morris captures the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1987 and portrays the confusion of a nation filled with poverty and squalor, brilliance and splendour.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harvest Books
• Publication date: 1980
• ISBN 10: 0156714663
• ISBN 13: 9780156714662
• Binding: Paperback