Warrior Race: A History of the British at War

Warrior Race: A History of the British at War

by Lawrence James (Author)

Synopsis

Modern Britain is a nation shaped by wars. The boundaries of its separate parts are the outcome of conquest and resistance. Warrior heroes - real, imaginary and a mixture of both - are deeply embedded in the collective memories and culture of the English, Welsh, Scots and Irish. Boadicea, King Arthur, Wallace, Rob Roy and Henry V still enjoy a powerful hold over the imagination. Britishness has had a sense of collective identity which grew under careful official cultivation during the global struggles of the 18th century and found its most powerful expression during the world wars of the 20th. Modern war was seen as the ultimate test of a nation's moral and physical stamina, and Britain emerged with an enviable record which underpinned national pride and a sense of superiority that survived well into the second half of the 20th century. This book investigates and examines the part played by war in the making of Britain, embracing the most recent historical and archaeological research.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 879
Edition: First English
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Published: 08 Nov 2001

ISBN 10: 0316857629
ISBN 13: 9780316857628

Media Reviews
The ambition of this remarkable book is daunting: nothing less than a total history of British war. It's easy to forget that modern Britain is a nation shaped by wars, with the boundaries of its separate parts the outcome of conquest and resistance. The essence of British identity is in its warrior heroes both real and imaginary, and such figures continue to hold the popular imagination, from Boudicca to King Arthur. Lawrence James' authoritative and exhaustive study investigates the role played by war in the making Britain. Drawing on the latest historical and archaeological research, as well as numerous unfamiliar resources, he charts the full reach of British military history: from the physical and psychological impact of Roman military occupation, through the several wars of the 17th century, and up to the 'total war' experience of 20th century conflict. This is popular history at its very best: always accessible, always informative.
Author Bio
Lawrence James studied History and English at York University and subsequently undertook a research degree at Merton College, Oxford. Following a career as a teacher, he became a full-time writer in 1985 and is now regarded as one of the finest of narrative historians.