The Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire (Cambridge Illustrated Histories) [Hardcover]

'… a critical, balanced, lucid, and endlessly fascinating survey of the British empire in all its complexity and human drama for the general reader.' Boston Book Review

'This impressive book more than does justice to the breadth of empire and its influence … a fascinating and impressive achievement.' Tim Newark, Military Illustrated

'… an interesting story readably told …' Yorkshire Gazette & Herald

Up to World War II and beyond, the British ruled over a vast empire. Modern western attitudes towards the imperial past tend either towards nostalgia for British power or revulsion at what seem to be the abuses of that power. The Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire adopts neither of these approaches. It aims to create historical understanding about the British empire on the assumption that such understanding is important for any informed appreciation of the modern world. Through striking illustration and a text written by leading experts, this book examines the experience of colonialism in North America, India, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, as well as the impact of the empire on Britain itself. Emphasis is placed on social and cultural history, including slavery, trade, religion, art, and the movement of ideas. How did the British rule their empire? Who benefited economically from the empire? And who lost?

Through striking illustration and a text written by leading experts, this book examines the experience of British colonialism in America, India, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, as well as the impact of the empire on Britain itself. Emphasis is placed on social and cultural history and the movement of ideas.

P. J. Marshall is Emeritus Professor of History at King's College, London, where he taught the history of empire from 1959–93. He was born in Calcutta, educated at Oxford, and is a Fellow of the British Academy. His numerous publications include The Impeachment of Warren Hastings; The British Discovery of Hinduism; East Indian Fortunes; and Bengal, the British Bridgehead. Professor Marshall is an associate editor of The Writings and Speeches of Edmund Burke.