This Sovereign Isle

Britain In and Out of Europe

By Robert Tombs | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

About the book

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Geography comes before history. Islands cannot have the same history as continental plains. The United Kingdom is a European country, but not the same kind of European country as Germany, Poland or Hungary. For most of the 150 centuries during which Britain has been inhabited it has been on the edge, culturally and literally, of mainland Europe.

In this succinct book, Tombs shows that the decision to leave the EU is historically explicable - though not made historically inevitable - by Britain's very different historical experience, especially in the twentieth century, and because of our more extensive and deeper ties outside Europe. He challenges the orthodox view that Brexit was due solely to British or English exceptionalism: in choosing to leave the EU, the British, he argues, were in many ways voting as typical Europeans.

Editions of This Sovereign Isle

Paperback
ISBN 9780141995021

Read an Excerpt

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Geography comes before history. Islands cannot have the same history as continental plains. The United Kingdom is a European country, but not the same kind of European country as Germany, Poland or Hungary. For most of the 150 centuries during which Britain has been inhabited it has been on the edge, culturally and literally, of mainland Europe.

In this succinct book, Tombs shows that the decision to leave the EU is historically explicable - though not made historically inevitable - by Britain's very different historical experience, especially in the twentieth century, and because of our more extensive and deeper ties outside Europe. He challenges the orthodox view that Brexit was due solely to British or English exceptionalism: in choosing to leave the EU, the British, he argues, were in many ways voting as typical Europeans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is This Sovereign Isle about?

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Geography comes before history. Islands cannot have the same history as continental plains. The United Kingdom is a European country, but not the same kind of European country as Germany, Poland or Hungary. For most of the 150 centuries during which Britain has been inhabited it has been on the edge, culturally and literally, of mainland Europe.

In this succinct book, Tombs shows that the decision to leave the EU is historically explicable - though not made historically inevitable - by Britain's very different historical experience, especially in the twentieth century, and because of our more extensive and deeper ties outside Europe. He challenges the orthodox view that Brexit was due solely to British or English exceptionalism: in choosing to leave the EU, the British, he argues, were in many ways voting as typical Europeans.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in This Sovereign Isle?

History and Archaeology > History > European history

Where can I read a sample of This Sovereign Isle?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780141995021

Who is/are the Author/s of the book This Sovereign Isle?

Robert Tombs

Who is the Publisher of the book This Sovereign Isle?

Penguin Books Ltd

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

This Sovereign Isle is available as paperback(ISBN 9780141995021)

Where can I buy This Sovereign Isle online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy This Sovereign Isle?