The Lion’s Share: A History of British Imperialism 1850 to the Present

Updated to incorporate a substantial new epilogue considering Brexit and its ‘imperial’ implications, the sixth edition of The Lion’s Share remains an essential introduction to British imperialism from its Victorian heyday to the present.

Well-known for its vigorous and readable style, this book presents a broad narrative of events and explores a number of general themes, challenging more conventional and popular interpretations of British imperialism, as well as the simplistic ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments put forward in today’s ‘history wars’. Bernard Porter sees imperialism as a symptom not of Britain’s strength in the world, but of her decline, and he argues that the empire itself both aggravated and obscured deep-seated malaise in the British economy. This sixth edition includes a final epilogue that engages with what Brexit means for British Imperial History, and whether it represents an extension of or final conclusion to Britain’s Imperial Career. In so doing, the book offers readers a thorough understanding of the history of British imperialism and its heritage, extending right into the present day.

Supported by maps, images and an updated chronology, The Lion’s Share is the perfect resource for both students and those interested in British and Imperial History from the Victorian era to the modern day.