London 1900: The Imperial Metropolis

by Professor Jonathan Schneer

In 1900 London was the capital of an empire that spanned the globe. This engrossing book is the first to examine the powerful city and its relationship with the British empire at the turn of the century.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, European History, London, Historical, British Literature, Read For School

350 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Janice Liedl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unfolds London at the turn of the last century as a complex city containing multiple identities. Schneer does a fabulous job of linking London to the wider British empire in ways that make the reader think about the interconnectedness of society, economy and politics, not just for the 1900 period he so richly evokes, but also for their own time. I also appreciated the chapters that delved into some of the aspects of London that don't get much play in mainstream stories - minorities and women, in particular, who experience the metropolis in very different ways. Ending the volume with a discussion of the Khaki Election that built on burning international and imperial issues of the day helps to cement the union between London's local politics and the broader world of Britain which is transforming the city at the time.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

London 1900: The Imperial Metropolis is an informative and well-researched look at a city at the height of its global influence. The book captures the energy, ambition, and contradictions of turn-of-the-century London, weaving together political, cultural, and social threads into a vivid portrait of the metropolis at its peak.

While it is a dense and detail-rich work, it offers readers a chance to step into the atmosphere of a pivotal moment in history. Those with an interest in the British Empire or the cultural landscape of London at the dawn of the twentieth century will find much to reflect on here.

[Gwilym Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I'd hoped...

[Fraser Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This focuses specifically on London's role as capital of the British Empire: the docks where the loot of empire was unloaded, the financial district where the looting was often organized, and the widespread assumption that the British Empire was, overall, a net gain for the world. Balanced against this, Schneer gives us a look at critics of Empire, including radical women reformers and Indian, African and Irish independence activists. It's a narrow picture—if you want an overall look at London, this isn't the book—but well executed within its range.

[Kaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and valuable read. It's important to keep in mind that Schneer is very determined to make everything fit his imperial narrative, though - not that he'll let you forget it!

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such pervasive racism! It is sad to think even the Irish were so much the same and that most people wanted to still be apart of the Empire rather than independence.