Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World

Niall Ferguson's bestselling book "Empire" explores how a small, rainy island in the North Atlantic became the largest empire in history, and why it eventually declined and fell. It examines the roles of pirates, planters, missionaries, mandarins, bankers, and bankrupts in the creation of the empire and its impact on the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Once upon a time, a small, rainy island in the North Atlantic called Britain ruled over vast swathes of the globe. Britannia not only controlled the waves but also the prairies of America, the plains of Asia, the jungles of Africa, and the deserts of Arabia. How did a tiny island achieve such a feat? And why did the empire, known as the "sun never sets," eventually decline and fall?

Niall Ferguson's acclaimed book, Empire, takes readers on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of Britain's empire. It explores the intricate story of how a group of buccaneers and gold-diggers laid the foundation for the largest empire in history and paved the way for modernity.

Ferguson, a renowned British historian, delves into the roles of pirates, planters, missionaries, mandarins, bankers, and bankrupts in the creation of this empire. He writes with splendid panache, displaying a seemingly effortless, debonair wit.

Andrew Roberts, in his review for the New York Review of Books, praises Ferguson's work as "dazzling." He describes him as "the most brilliant British historian of his generation," and praises his ability to examine the roles of various individuals and groups in the creation of the empire.

Jan Morris, in her review for the Sunday Times, calls Empire "a pleasure to read and brims with insights and intelligence." She praises Ferguson's writing style, which is both informative and engaging, and his ability to present a comprehensive précis of the entire British imperial story, encompassing triumphs, deceptions, decencies, kindnesses, cruelties, and everything in between.

Throughout his book, Ferguson offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of empire-building, the challenges faced by imperial powers, and the lasting impact of the British empire on the world. He challenges the traditional narratives of empire and presents a more nuanced and balanced view of the empire's history.

Empire is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and global affairs. It provides a comprehensive and engaging account of Britain's imperial past and sheds light on the forces that shaped the world we live in today.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141987910