About the book
This riveting new history tells the story of Britain's journey from imperial power to a nation divided. After the Second World War, Britain's overseas empire disintegrated. But over the next seventy years, empire came to define Britain and its people as never before. From immigration and race riots to the Suez Crisis and the Falklands War, from the simplistic moral equation of Band Aid to the invasion of Iraq, the imperial mindset has dominated Britain's relationship with itself and the world. In the tragedy of Stephen Lawrence, in Britain's response to radical Islam, even in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, we see how this contradictory relationship has undermined its self-image as a multicultural nation, helping explain the Windrush deportations and Brexit. Drawing on a mass of new research, from personal letters to pop culture, Imperial Island tells a story of immigration and fractured identity, of social strife and communal solidarity, of people on the move and of a people wrestling with their past. It is the story that best explains Britain today.
Editions of Imperial Island
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781847926432
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781847926449
Read an Excerpt
This riveting new history tells the story of Britain's journey from imperial power to a nation divided. After the Second World War, Britain's overseas empire disintegrated. But over the next seventy years, empire came to define Britain and its people as never before. From immigration and race riots to the Suez Crisis and the Falklands War, from the simplistic moral equation of Band Aid to the invasion of Iraq, the imperial mindset has dominated Britain's relationship with itself and the world. In the tragedy of Stephen Lawrence, in Britain's response to radical Islam, even in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, we see how this contradictory relationship has undermined its self-image as a multicultural nation, helping explain the Windrush deportations and Brexit. Drawing on a mass of new research, from personal letters to pop culture, Imperial Island tells a story of immigration and fractured identity, of social strife and communal solidarity, of people on the move and of a people wrestling with their past. It is the story that best explains Britain today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Imperial Island about?
This riveting new history tells the story of Britain's journey from imperial power to a nation divided. After the Second World War, Britain's overseas empire disintegrated. But over the next seventy years, empire came to define Britain and its people as never before. From immigration and race riots to the Suez Crisis and the Falklands War, from the simplistic moral equation of Band Aid to the invasion of Iraq, the imperial mindset has dominated Britain's relationship with itself and the world. In the tragedy of Stephen Lawrence, in Britain's response to radical Islam, even in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, we see how this contradictory relationship has undermined its self-image as a multicultural nation, helping explain the Windrush deportations and Brexit. Drawing on a mass of new research, from personal letters to pop culture, Imperial Island tells a story of immigration and fractured identity, of social strife and communal solidarity, of people on the move and of a people wrestling with their past. It is the story that best explains Britain today.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Imperial Island?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > National liberation and independence > Decolonisation and postcolonial studies
Where can I read a sample of Imperial Island?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781847926432
How long is Imperial Island and how many pages does it have?
Imperial Island has 384 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Imperial Island?
Charlotte Lydia Riley
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Imperial Island is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781847926432) and paperback(ISBN 9781847926449)
Where can I buy Imperial Island online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Imperial Island from below
Where can I buy Imperial Island?