The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume II: The Eighteenth Century

The Oxford History of the British Empire fills the crucial years between the Glorious Revolution 1(1688) and the fall of Napoleon (1815) and how that affected and grew the various parts of the Empire. Arguably one of the most important points in British Imperial history occurred during this time period in the form of the Seven Years war which saw the addition of Canada, India and large swaths of islands added to the imperial map. This is the era when the sun came to never set on the Empire. It also was the era where the empire lost the largest amount of territory until the Post World War II decolonization movements.The book studies not only chronologically but geographically the development of empire. While there are some general chapters on trade, economies, and population shifts it really is an area study focus. From Canada and the United States, to the Caribbean to the Orient the areas are covered in detail and looked at in a variety of ways. Each of these areas is given four to five chapters and looked at from the macro perspective of the government down to the micro perspective of the people living there and their day to day interactions be they with natives or with colonial traders.Overall it is a great addition to the series and for those who are true students of the British Empire it is a must have.

This is an anthology of academic essays that give the reader a very insightful, hard hitting overview of the change and continuity associated with the development o England/Great Britain in the 1700's. The authors agree with the 'long 18th Century model' of European history, that is the 18th Century dates from 1688- 1815. There is a very broad spectrum of essays, social, economic, military and international affairs are all examined. This is a work for an academic audience written by academics, so it is heavy reading. I noted indications that the authors were of the Atlantic Community school of thought, not nostalgic for the British Empire or American exceptionalists. The bibliographies are included at the end of every essay and provide a rich resource for students of the period, and every essay is heavily footnoted throughout. This book represents an excellent foundation for any student of history interested in this era.

The book was in very good condition. Surprised and very pleased.

Neat pakage, on time.

This book is a useful companion for any student of Eighteenth Century British history, even if it is a bit heavy to hold while reading!