Britain After Empire Constructing a Post-War Political-Cultural Project [Hardcover]

Through compelling analysis of popular culture, high culture and elite designs in the years following the end of the Second World War, this book explores how Britain and its people have come to terms with the loss of prestige stemming from the decline of the British Empire. The result is a volume that offers new ideas on what it is to be 'British'.Preface Acknowledgement 1. After the Empire 2. Foundation Myths 3. Grand Designs 4. Making Enemies 5. Voices of Complaint 6. Patrician Retreat 7. Affluence Attained 8. Corporate World 9. Bullshit Industries 10. Familiar Utopias 11. Continuing Britain Bibliography Index

'This is a book that should be read by anyone interested in contemporary Britain. It traces developments in post-war Britain in the context of the end of Empire, but does so in a different way which focuses upon the role of ideas/narratives reflected in government designs, high arts and popular culture. It is challenging, but always interesting; even where the reader might disagree.'

- David Marsh, Director of Research, ANZSOG Institute for Governance, University of Canberra, Australia

P. W. Preston has taught comparative politics in a number of universities in Europe and East Asia and has published widely on topics related to these two regions. His most recent concerns have been with the ways in which collective memories of violence find expression in contemporary politics both in Europe and East Asia.