The Illustrated Rise and Fall of the British Empire - Hardcover

James, Lawrence

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312264291 ISBN 13: 9780312264291

Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 2000

Synopsis

Spanning four centuries and six continents, James' masterpiece examines the imperial experience and its legacy with tremendous insight and finesse. His original work has now been abridged and illustrated in full color throughout with over 400 meticulously researched photographs, paintings, maps and portraits to create a comprehensive and visually stunning portrait of the era.

Great Britain's geopolitical role has undergone many radical changes over the last four centuries. Once a maritime superpower and ruler of half the world, Britain now occupies an isolated position as an economically fragile island often at odds with her European neighbors. Spanning the years from 1600 to the present day, this critically acclaimed book combines detailed scholarship with readable popular history.

About this title

About the Author

Lawrence James studied History and English at York University and subsequently undertook a research degree at Merton College, Oxford. Following a career as a teacher, he became a full-time writer in 1985, and is the author of The Golden Warrior: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia, Imperial Warrior: The Life and Times of Field Marshal Viscount Allenby, and the acclaimed Raj: The Making and Unmaking of British India. He now lives in St. Andrews.

Helen Lownie read History at Exeter University and later studied law in Oxford. She has worked in publishing, education, and human rights, and lived abroad for several years. She is now based in Oxford.

Review

"The range, sweep and sheer verve of the book are prodigious . . . a masterpiece."--A. N. Wilson

"With a superb history of a mammoth subject [James'] writing career has reached its apogee."--Andrew Roberts, The Times

"James never loses sight of his grand design, yet he stills finds room for the telling detail which illuminates and enriches a narrative."--Philip Zeigler, Daily Telegraph

"His feeling for historical detail cannot be faulted and is made more engaging by his scholarship and infectious enthusiasm for the subject . . . A thumping good read."--Trevor Royle, Scotland on Sunday

"James' epic is not only a first-rate narrative, but also a penetrating portrait of the British . . . Having largely, if often inadvertently, selfishly or ham-fistedly, engineered the world we live in, we need the courage now to face up to our record as cooly and intelligently as Lawrence James has done."--John Spurling, Times Literary Supplement

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0312264291
• ISBN 13: 9780312264291
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352