Englishness: Politics and Culture 1880-1920

(Paperback, 2nd edition)

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Description

Englishness is by no means the unchanging quality of those living in the territory that has come to be England, but a concept that has been made and remade throughout history, expressing itself through existing symbols and ideas. Since its first publication in 1987 this collection has been regarded as a major work on English national identity as it evolved during the period 1880-1920 and has had a significant impact on writing and research. It is a classic text for students of modern British history and courses in politics, sociology and literature. This updated edition of Englishness contains a new introduction by Robert Colls and Philip Dodd, which sets the work in the context of research done since its original publication, and an afterword by Will Self which relates it to current debates on Britain as a multinational state. This important collection contains ideas that are still pertinent today, making it essential reading for students and scholars alike.

Reviews

A fascinating exploration of the myths of a nation. -- PD Smith * The Guardian *
...thoughtful yet serious, scholarly yet speculative and warmly welcomed, this book is of political as well as intellectual importance. -- Bernard Crick of the first edition * Political Quarterly *
Indispensable -- Neal Ascherson of the first edition * Independent on Sunday *
...proves conclusively the existence of a major discursive shift occurring at the end of the last century amounting to a Risorgimento finely intelligent wide ranging thoughtful, provocative and contentious imaginative, impressive and good to read -- Bill Schwarz of the first edition * New Formations *
Englishness can be analyzed and quantified and it is a disturbing experience when done rigorously -- Simon Heffer of the first edition * Daily Telegraph *
...few who teach in English Literature, politics, history and allied subjects will not learn much from this very good book -- David Smith of the first edition * Albion *
...interesting convincing fine fascinating valuable -- Ross Murfin of the first edition * Victorian Studies *
So welcome properly and intelligently interdisciplinary -- Roger Howell of the first edition * Literature and History *
The case is closely argued the detailed nature of the various essays is a real strength -- Patrick Wright of the first edition * New Society *
...new and valuable -- Raphael Samuel of the first edition * New Statesman *
...remarkably coherent and important -- Deian Hopkin of the first edition * British Book News *
...valuable at the sophomore level in college and beyond... this book is an informative survey of imperial Englishness. * Walter R. Johnson of the first edition, The History Teacher *
The richness of writing in recent years on all matters English exist largely outside the comfort zone of the Left. One of the best is the book . . . Englishness, Politics and Culture. -- Mark Perryman, Co-Founder, Philosophy Football * Philosophy Football, Counterfire.org *

Author Bio

Robert Colls is Professor of Cultural History at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. Philip Dodd is an author, curator, BBC broadcaster, chairman of Made in China UK and Visiting Professor, University of the Arts, London, UK.