Empire and Popular Culture

The Empire began to permeate the domestic culture of Empire nations from 1830, presenting it as a force for 'civilization' but it was often far from the truth. This four-volume collection on Empire and Popular Culture contains primary sources and editorial narratives that shed light on three principal themes: the shaping of personal, collective and national identities; the commemoration of individuals and collective groups; and the way in which the Empire entered popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 516 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From 1830, if not before, the Empire began to permeate the domestic culture of Empire nations in many ways. From consumables to the excitement of colonial wars, celebrations relating to events in the history of the Empire, and the construction of Empire Day in the early Edwardian period, most citizens were encouraged to think of themselves not only as citizens of a nation but of an Empire. Much of the popular culture of the period presented the Empire as a force for 'civilization, but it was often far from the truth and, rather, Empire was a repressive mechanism designed ultimately to benefit white settlers and the metropolitan economy.

This four-volume collection on 'Empire and Popular Culture' contains a wide array of primary sources, complemented by editorial narratives that help the reader understand the significance of the documents contained therein. It is informed by the recent advocacy of a 'four-nation approach to Empire, containing documents that view Empire from the perspective of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and will also contain material produced for Empire audiences, as well as indigenous perspectives. The sources reveal both the celebratory and the notorious sides of the Empire.

In this, the third volume of 'Empire and Popular Culture', documents are presented that shed light on three principal themes: The shaping of personal, collective, and national identities of British citizens by the Empire; the commemoration of individuals and collective groups who were noted for their roles in Empire-building; and, finally, the way in which the Empire entered popular culture by means of trade with the Empire and the goods that were imported.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138495081