Debating Nationhood and Government in Britain, 1885-1939: Perspectives from the 'Four Nations' (Devolution) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719071674 ISBN 13: 9780719071676

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2016

Synopsis

This book is the first in-depth study of the debates over devolution in the four nations of the UK in the period up to 1939. It explores divergent trends and attitudes towards the principle of devolution at both local and national (UK) levels, explains the limitations of devolution as a political ideal and the inherent contradictions in the debates over devolution which were unresolvable in the period under study. The book also demonstrates the enduring potency of an all-British context and of the influence and power of those who wished to defend the status quo. It investigates the role of national - and Imperial - identities in the debates over devolution, highlighting the continuing value and importance of 'Britishness' and British identity as vital factors in moulding popular opinion and support for established systems of governance. In so doing, the book offers fresh perspectives on the development of nationalisms in the 'Celtic fringe' during this period and demonstrates the problems and limitations of such identities as ways of mobilizing political opposition.

About this title

Review:

This groundbreaking study represents the first fruits of an extensive ESRC-funded project on Welsh devolution…This pioneering volume must be warm welcome as the first in-depth study of the devolutionary within the whole of the British Isles…It will undoubtedly appeal to established academics, students and the interested general reader alike. --J. Graham Jones, Planet: The Welsh Internationalist, Issue 187 (March 2008)

About the Author:

Duncan Tanner is Professor of History at University of Wales, Bangor, and Director of the Welsh Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs. Chris Williams is Professor of Modern History at University of Wales, Swansea. Andrew Edwards is Lecturer in Modern British History at University of Wales, Bangor and Co-Director of the Welsh Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs. W. P. Griffith is Senior Lecturer in Welsh History at University of Wales, Bangor -- .

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0719071674
• ISBN 13: 9780719071676
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 284
• Editor: Tanner Duncan, Williams Chris, Edwards Andrew