The author sets out to describe the functioning of the imperial system and its gradual dissolution. The first aim is pursued with a collection of details about the colonial civil services, with inevitable quotes from Kipling. The second aim produces an outline of changes in the political status of the subject nations. Cross has a good many assertions wrong, e.g. that the British upper class at this time were essentially landowners, and that (Mideastern) oil was unimportant to Britain until after World War II. His generalizations are inaccurate and his interpretations ineffable. From the fact that it would have taken a vast army to hold the colonies by force, he concludes that ""British rule rested primarily on consent."" At the end of the book he claims that it can be shown that preserving the Empire ""was never the first priority of British policy."" He neglects economic factors to a degree which makes the book hard to take seriously. Apart from a mysterious ""European greed"" in Africa and a British passion for chocolate, he attributes the Empire to ""verve"" and ""magnetic urges,"" expressing his surprise that it ever arose or persisted. The imperial significance of the outcome of World War I, the Labour Party's stances before 1946, the effects on the colonial populations, exemplify the range of questions never even raised here.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: Reuseabook, Gloucester, GLOS, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. 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 # CHL10446872
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 40491554-20
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Condition: Poor. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,800grams, ISBN:0340025425. Seller Inventory # 9062957
Seller: The Guru Bookshop, Hereford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition with dust jacket & SIGNED BY AUTHOR by way of a dedication -Rare and Collectable - will send out 1st class post within 12 hours of receipt of order. Seller Inventory # mon0000113927
Seller: Beach Hut Books, Lingfield, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Nr Very Good. Third Impression. Dustwrapper, now protected, has one 1/1" closed tear. Seller Inventory # 034720
Seller: Stephen White Books, Bradford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Acceptable. Ex-library book, usual markings. Hardback with dust cover. Well read copy with some spine wear but still useable, colouring of page edges due to age. Quick dispatch from UK seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000078567
Seller: Stephen White Books, Bradford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Ex-library book, usual marking. Clean copy in good condition. Without Dust Cover. Quick dispatch from UK seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000447156
Seller: Salopian Books, Shrewsbury, SAL, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Hard cover book in good+ condition. No dust jacket. Rubbing to head and foot of spine. Some spotting to edges of boards. Page edges tanned. 8vo. 359pp. Seller Inventory # 8973
Seller: Le-Livre, SABLONS, France
Couverture rigide. Condition: bon. RO60078351: 1968. In-8. Relié. Etat d'usage, Couv. convenable, Dos satisfaisant, Intérieur frais. 359 pages. Photo en noir et blanc en frontispice. Illustré de nombreuses photos en noir et blanc hors texte et de cartes en couleur au dos des plats et en pages de garde. Traces de scotch au dos des plats et en pages de garde. Avec Jaquette. . . Classification Dewey : 420-Langue anglaise. Anglo-saxon. Seller Inventory # RO60078351
Seller: YESIBOOKSTORE, MIAMI, FL, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: As New. Seller Inventory # 0340025425-VB