Bloomsbury Englishness: Politics and Culture 1880-1920

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. Review 'Englishness can be analyzed and quantified and it is a disturbing experience when done rigorously.' --Daily Telegraph, Simon Heffer of the first edition'...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.' --New Formations, Bill Schwarz of the first edition...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 ""...remarkably coherent and important"" British Book News, Deian Hopkin of the first edition ""...new and valuable"" New Statesman, Raphael Samuel of the first edition ""The case is closely argued the detailed nature of the various essays is a real strength"" New Society, Patrick Wright of the first edition ""So welcome properly and intelligently interdisciplinary"" Literature and History, Roger Howell of the first edition ""...interesting convincing fine fascinating valuable"" Victorian Studies ""...few who teach in English Literature, politics, history and allied subjects will not learn much from this very good book"" Albion, David Smith of the first edition ""Englishness can be analyzed and quantified and it is a disturbing experience when done rigorously"" Daily Telegraph, Simon Heffer of the first edition ""...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 --New Formations, Bill Schwarz of the first edition About the Author 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.