This leading general history of British imperialism, from its Victorian heyday to present times, has been thoroughly revised and updated. As well as presenting a lively narrative of events, Bernard Porter explores a number of broad analytical themes, challenging more conventional and popular interpretations. He sees imperialism as a symptom not of Britain's strength in the world, but of her decline; and he argues that the empire itself both aggravated and obscured deep-seated malaise in the British economy. A refreshing look at one of the central aspects of British history. 'Personal preferences aside, Bernard Porter's study remains a wonderfully illuminating, eminently entertaining survey, rich in revealing insights and vivid quotations, from which readers will continue to gain enormous pleasure and enlightenment.' - Peter Burroughs's Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History Recommended reading in BBC History Magazine, October 2006 'As for Dr Porter's study, this reviewer found it one of the most captivating pieces he had read for a long time: his book abounds in wit, is studded with brief but telling phrases, and reveals an unerring eye for the relevant fact and apposite quotation'. Paul Kennedy, The Historical Journal 'An extremely well-written, cleverly constructed book' Andrew Porter, Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History 'The book is still the best short study of its subject...Some will doubtless treat it as a textbook: and it is indeed full of accurate information, telling phrases and aptly-deployed quotations, all presented in a very lively and readable manner. In fact, it is a clear, coherent and well substantiated interpretation...' Iain R. Smith Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History 'A most valuable key to modern British colonial history. From this gripping and lucid exposition, we may gather an understanding not only of the initial intricacies of colonial problems...but of their alarming legacies.' Gerard Douds, History Today This lively, original and authoritative history of British imperialism from its Victorian heyday to present times has been a favourite for some years. For this 4th edition it has been thoroughly revised and updated, with a new and expansive introduction exploring the problems and historiography of `imperialism' generally, and an additional final chapter taking the story through to the ¿new imperialism¿ of the early 21st century. Other new features are a chronology of events, an updated bibliography, and a section of plates illustrating various aspects of empire and imperialism. Bernard Porter is Emeritus Professor of History, University of Newcastle. He has published extensively in the areas of British imperial, foreign and security service history, including The Absent Minded Imperialists: Empire,Culture and Society (2004). Bernard Porter is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Newcastle. His previous publications include Britannia¿s Burden: The Political Evolution of Modern Britain 1851-1990 (1994) and The Absent-Minded Imperialists: The Empire in British society and culture, 1800-1940 (2004). Used Book in Good Condition