Our Island Stories
Ten Walks through Rural Britain and Its Hidden History of Empire
By Corinne Fowler | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
About the book
'An essential and fascinating book ... enriches and deepens our understanding of this nation' - Bernardine Evaristo
'A powerful book that brings the history of the Empire home – literally' - David Olusoga
The countryside is cherished by many Britons. There is a depth of feeling about rural places, the moors and lochs, valleys and mountains, cottages and country houses. Yet the British countryside, so integral to our national identity, is rarely seen as having anything to do with British colonialism. Where the countryside is celebrated, histories of empire are forgotten. In Our Island Stories, historian Corinne Fowler brings rural life and colonial rule together with transformative results. Through ten country walks, roaming the island with varied companions, Fowler combines local and global history, connecting the Cotswolds to Calcutta, Dolgellau to Virginia, and Grasmere to Canton.
Empire transformed rural lives for better and for worse: whether in Welsh sheep farms or Cornish copper mines, it offered both opportunity and exploitation. Fowler shows how the booming profits of overseas colonial activities, and the select few who benefited, directly contributed to enclosure, land clearances and dispossession. These histories, usually considered separately, continue to shape lives across Britain today.
To give an honest account, to offer both affection and criticism, is a matter of respect: we should not knowingly tell half a history. This new knowledge of our island stories, once gained, can only deepen Britons' relationship with their beloved landscape.
Editions of Our Island Stories
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780241561638
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780141999838
- EBook
- ISBN 9780141999845
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780241568040
Read an Excerpt
'An essential and fascinating book ... enriches and deepens our understanding of this nation' - Bernardine Evaristo
'A powerful book that brings the history of the Empire home – literally' - David Olusoga
The countryside is cherished by many Britons. There is a depth of feeling about rural places, the moors and lochs, valleys and mountains, cottages and country houses. Yet the British countryside, so integral to our national identity, is rarely seen as having anything to do with British colonialism. Where the countryside is celebrated, histories of empire are forgotten. In Our Island Stories, historian Corinne Fowler brings rural life and colonial rule together with transformative results. Through ten country walks, roaming the island with varied companions, Fowler combines local and global history, connecting the Cotswolds to Calcutta, Dolgellau to Virginia, and Grasmere to Canton.
Empire transformed rural lives for better and for worse: whether in Welsh sheep farms or Cornish copper mines, it offered both opportunity and exploitation. Fowler shows how the booming profits of overseas colonial activities, and the select few who benefited, directly contributed to enclosure, land clearances and dispossession. These histories, usually considered separately, continue to shape lives across Britain today.
To give an honest account, to offer both affection and criticism, is a matter of respect: we should not knowingly tell half a history. This new knowledge of our island stories, once gained, can only deepen Britons' relationship with their beloved landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Our Island Stories about?
'An essential and fascinating book ... enriches and deepens our understanding of this nation' - Bernardine Evaristo
'A powerful book that brings the history of the Empire home – literally' - David Olusoga
The countryside is cherished by many Britons. There is a depth of feeling about rural places, the moors and lochs, valleys and mountains, cottages and country houses. Yet the British countryside, so integral to our national identity, is rarely seen as having anything to do with British colonialism. Where the countryside is celebrated, histories of empire are forgotten. In Our Island Stories, historian Corinne Fowler brings rural life and colonial rule together with transformative results. Through ten country walks, roaming the island with varied companions, Fowler combines local and global history, connecting the Cotswolds to Calcutta, Dolgellau to Virginia, and Grasmere to Canton.
Empire transformed rural lives for better and for worse: whether in Welsh sheep farms or Cornish copper mines, it offered both opportunity and exploitation. Fowler shows how the booming profits of overseas colonial activities, and the select few who benefited, directly contributed to enclosure, land clearances and dispossession. These histories, usually considered separately, continue to shape lives across Britain today.
To give an honest account, to offer both affection and criticism, is a matter of respect: we should not knowingly tell half a history. This new knowledge of our island stories, once gained, can only deepen Britons' relationship with their beloved landscape.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Our Island Stories?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Colonialism and imperialism
Where can I read a sample of Our Island Stories?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241561638
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Our Island Stories?
Corinne Fowler
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Our Island Stories is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780241561638) and paperback(ISBN 9780141999838) and ebook(ISBN 9780141999845) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780241568040)
Where can I buy Our Island Stories online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Our Island Stories from below
Where can I buy Our Island Stories?