The Oxford History of the British Empire, Volume V: Historiography

The Oxford History of the British Empire #5

by Robin W. Winks

Where should we situate the British Empire in the larger picture of world history? This fifth and final volume of The Oxford History of the British Empire shows how opinions have changed dramatically from one generation to the next on the nature and role of imperialism generally, and the British Empire more specifically.

In these pages, a distinguished team of scholarly contributors discuss the many and diverse elements that have influenced writings on the Empire. Topics in this vein include the pressure of current events, access to primary sources, the creation of relevant university chairs, the rise of nationalism in former colonies, decolonization, and the Cold War. The chapters aim to demonstrate how the study of empire has evolved from a narrow focus on constitutional issues to a wide-ranging, multi-faceted analysis of international relations, the uses of power, and the influences and counter-influences between settler groups and indigenous peoples. The result is a thought-provoking cultural and intellectual inquiry into our understanding of the past.
About the Series:
The Oxford History of the British Empire is a major new assessment of the Empire in the light of recent scholarship and the progressive opening of historical records. It deals with the interaction of British and non-western societies from the Elizabethan era to the late twentieth century, provides a balanced treatment of the ruled as well as the rulers, and takes into account the significance of the Empire for the peoples of the British Isles. All five of the volumes in this series fully explore economic and social as well as political trends.

Genres: History, British Literature, Nonfiction

731 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 1999

About the author

Robin W. Winks was an American academic, historian, diplomat, writer on the subject of fiction, especially detective novels, and advocate for the National Parks.

Reviews

[Colonel Sir Cedric Wycliffe-Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume V: Historiography by Robin W. Winks

The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume V: Historiography offers a unique and critical perspective on the study of the British Empire, delving into how the interpretation and writing of imperial history has evolved over time. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the historiographical trends that have shaped the way scholars view and debate the British Empire, emphasizing shifts in interpretation from the Empire’s rise to its decline.

Key Themes and Insights:
• Evolution of Imperial Historiography: The volume explores how scholarly views on the British Empire have changed over the centuries. From its establishment to its eventual collapse, historians have continually reassessed the empire’s impact on world history, and this book highlights how modern trends in historiography are often influenced by contemporary politics, societal changes, and global events.
• The Influence of Current Events on Historiography: One of the central ideas in this book is the impact that current global events have on historical interpretation. The rise of nationalism, decolonization, and the Cold War all shaped how historians and academics approached the study of empire, including the reinterpretation of the British Empire’s legacy.
• Debates on Imperialism and Postcolonialism: This volume discusses how historiographical debates on imperialism have evolved, with a special focus on postcolonial theory. It critically examines the empire’s lasting influence on former colonies, as well as the ways in which these nations have redefined their identities in relation to their colonial pasts.
• Contributions from Distinguished Scholars: The book includes contributions from a variety of historians and scholars who offer different perspectives on British imperialism. It is a multi-faceted examination that not only covers the development of empire but also looks at how historians’ interpretations have changed in response to new political and academic climates.

Final Verdict:
The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume V: Historiography is an essential read for anyone interested in the evolution of historical scholarship on the British Empire. While it is an academic work, it offers valuable insights into the broader themes of imperialism, nationalism, and historiography. This volume serves as an excellent companion to the previous works in the Oxford History of the British Empire series and adds depth to the broader understanding of Britain’s historical influence on the world.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — A thought-provoking and scholarly approach to understanding the evolving interpretation of the British Empire. While it provides valuable historical insights, it may feel too specialized for casual readers.

[Benemint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic essay by C.A. Bayly (and of course, by others)!!! Debating whether I should purchase this book.