Britain Before Brexit: Historical Essays on Britain and Europe

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Why do the Brexiteers want to leave Why do the Remainers want to stay What exactly would a post-Brexit Europe look like These questions have dominated the post- Brexit socio-political landscape. In this timely and engaging book Bernard Porter responds to these questions. Each chapter presents different historical episodes contributing to an overall understanding of what Porter calls Britains most important move in her national life since she risked her whole being to go to war with Germany in 1939. The book comprises a collection of well-researched and considered chapters ranging from Britains asylum policy for European refugees in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, to terrorism in mainland Britain, and governments responses to it. Porter draws from a range of sources and personal experiences to investigate the cultural and social history that led us (or which specifically didnt lead us) to the decision to leave the European Union. The result is an engaging and personal analysis of Britains distinctive identity, and on its former relations with Europe

Reviews

Bernard Porter explains how an understanding of the history of the British Empire helps to explain Britains fundamental national identity before and after Brexitparadoxically with the driving theme that national independence is a myth. A riveting, lucid, and highly readable book. * Wm. Roger Louis, University of Texas, USA *
Written with his customary panache, boldness of argument and fertile historical imagination, one of the most distinguished contemporary historians of Britain and its past empire turns his essayist eye upon the knotty question of Britain, Europe and its Brexit convulsion. Bernard Porter offers an illuminating and instructive interpretation to anyone who may still look back nostalgically to a legendary island country that never really was. * Bill Nasson, Emeritus Professor in History, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa *

Author Bio

Bernard Porter is Emeritus Professor of Modern History, University of Newcastle, UK. He is a regular contributor to LRB, TLS, Literary Review, Guardian, History Today, academic journals and has lectured around the world. Alongside this, he has also appeared on national radio and television shows. He is based in Stockholm, Sweden.