Englishness ─ Politics and Culture 1880-1920

‘Englishness’ is by no means the unchanging quality of those living in the territory that has come to be England, but a concept that has been made and remade throughout history, expressing itself through existing symbols and ideas.

Since its first publication in 1987 this collection has been regarded as a major work on English national identity as it evolved during the period 1880-1920 and has had a significant impact on writing and research. It is a classic text for students of modern British history and courses in politics, sociology and literature.

This updated edition of Englishness contains a new introduction by Robert Colls and Philip Dodd, which sets the work in the context of research done since its original publication, and an afterword by Will Self which relates it to current debates on Britain as a multinational state.

This important collection contains ideas that are still pertinent today, making it essential reading for students and scholars alike.

Robert Colls is Professor of Cultural History at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.

Philip Dodd is an author, curator, BBC broadcaster, chairman of Made in China UK and Visiting Professor, University of the Arts, London, UK.