Convergence or Divergence: Britain and the Continent - Hardcover

Jeremy Black

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0333608585 ISBN 13: 9780333608586

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1994

Synopsis

Relations with Continental Europe have been a central issue in British history. Several crucial questions can be first, how similar or dissimilar was Britain, objectively considered, to other European countries in respect of its economy and political culture? Secondly, how far can similarity and difference be understood in terms of convergence and divergence, or of roughly parallel tracks reflecting and sustaining longstanding differences? Thirdly, did British people feel themselves to be Europeans? Fourthly, did the British people take an informed and sympathetic interest in what was happening on the Continent, or did their ignorance of Europe lead to insularity and xenophobia? Finally, to what extent was the British stage, and Britain as a whole, involved in the affairs of Europe, diplomatically, militarily, economically, culturally?This wide-ranging, thoughtful and provocative study tackles these questions from the late Iron Age to the current debate about European integration. It is at once an important contribution to British history and a crucial work for those seeking to understand Britain's past and present position in Europe.

About this title

About the Author

Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter, UK. He is an authority on early modern British and continental European history, with special interest in international relations, military history, the press, and historical atlases. A prolific historian, he is the author of over sixty books in addition to over a dozen edited volumes. He edits the following series for Palgrave Macmillan: British Studies, Social History in Perspective, European History in Perspective and Palgrave Essential Histories.

Review

'Jeremy Black has written an important essay on this theme. He is a distinguished historian of the 18th century, but has done a geat deal of work in covering the better part of two millennia. Since he writes very well, this book could become a little classic.' - Norman Stone, Times

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0333608585
• ISBN 13: 9780333608586
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 328