What We Have Lost: The Dismantling of Great Britain

WHAT WE HAVE LOST is a book by James Hamilton-Paterson that examines the factors that turned Britain from a nation of active producers to one of passive consumers and financial middlemen. It is a blistering indictment of politicians, civil servants, planning authorities, and financial institutions who have presided over the decline of Britain's industries since 1945.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2019
Publisher: Head of Zeus

"What We Have Lost" is a meticulously crafted and richly detailed book that delves into the intricate nuances of British society and its gradual decline. Authored by James Hamilton-Paterson, a renowned writer known for his insightful prose and profound understanding of British culture, this work offers a blistering indictment of politicians, civil servants, planning authorities, and financial institutions who have presided over the decline of Britain's industries and the replacement of the nation's once-great reputation with a for sale sign hung around its neck.

Between 1939 and 1945, Britain experienced a remarkable period of industrial growth and innovation. The country produced an astonishing 125,000 aircraft, along with vast numbers of ships, motor vehicles, armaments, and textiles. It was a time when Britain emerged as a global industrial power, employing millions of people and driving technological advancements that had a profound impact on the world.

However, less than seventy years later, the major industries that had once made Britain a shining example of prosperity and progress were lying in ruins. The once-thriving manufacturing sector, the backbone of the nation's economy, had been decimated by competition from foreign rivals. The once-dominant British automobile industry had been overtaken by foreign automakers, while the country's shipbuilding industry had been surpassed by countries like Japan and Germany.

The question that haunts "What We Have Lost" is whether these industries were truly doomed, or if there were other factors at play. Was it simply a case of superior competition from foreign nations, or was it something more profound? Did our politicians fail to recognize the importance of science and industry, or were they culturally too hostile to these sectors?

James Hamilton-Paterson delves into these questions with a keen eye and a wealth of knowledge. He analyzes the factors that turned Britain from a nation of active producers to one of passive consumers and financial middlemen. He explores the impact of globalization, the rise of automation, and the shift towards service-based economies on Britain's industries. He also examines the role of government policies, both domestic and international, in shaping the decline of Britain's industries.

"What We Have Lost" is not just a lament for the past; it is a call to action for the present and the future. Hamilton-Paterson offers a sobering assessment of the challenges facing Britain today, and he provides a roadmap for rebuilding the nation's industries and restoring its former glory. He advocates for policies that promote innovation, investment, and education, and he calls for a renewed sense of national pride and a commitment to rebuilding the nation's industrial base.

In conclusion, "What We Have Lost" is a masterpiece of literary criticism and social analysis. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of British society and the forces that have shaped its decline. Authored by a talented writer with a deep understanding of the country's history and culture, this book offers a powerful indictment of the forces that have led to Britain's industrial decline and a vision for a brighter future.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784972363