The Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire (Cambridge Illustrated Histories) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521432111 ISBN 13: 9780521432115

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1996

Synopsis

Up to World War II and beyond, the British ruled over a vast empire. Modern western attitudes towards the imperial past tend either towards nostalgia for British power or revulsion at what seem to be the abuses of that power. The Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire adopts neither of these approaches. It aims to create historical understanding about the British empire on the assumption that such understanding is important for any informed appreciation of the modern world. Through striking illustration and a text written by leading experts, this book examines the experience of colonialism in North America, India, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, as well as the impact of the empire on Britain itself. Emphasis is placed on social and cultural history, including slavery, trade, religion, art, and the movement of ideas. How did the British rule their empire? Who benefited economically from the empire? And who lost?

About this title

Review:

'... a critical, balanced, lucid, and endlessly fascinating survey of the British empire in all its complexity and human drama for the general reader.' Boston Book Review

'This impressive book more than does justice to the breadth of empire and its influence ... a fascinating and impressive achievement.' Tim Newark, Military Illustrated

'... an interesting story readably told ...' Yorkshire Gazette & Herald

Book Description:

Through striking illustration and a text written by leading experts, this book examines the experience of British colonialism in America, India, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, as well as the impact of the empire on Britain itself. Emphasis is placed on social and cultural history and the movement of ideas.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0521432111
• ISBN 13: 9780521432115
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 404
• Editor: Marshall P. J.