Empire: The British Imperial Experience from 1765 to the Present

Dennis Judd's book on the history of the British Empire is not a day by day approach to empire but a focus on the most important events that shaped that empire. Things such as the India uprising in 1857 or the work of Cecil Rhodes are the main focus. The stories that are chosen do an excellent job of showing how the empire developed and the path it took to formation. This really is the best single volume work on the British Empire in terms of a pure history. The book covers all parts of the empire and has interesting vignettes such as the formation of the boy scouts. It also covers some of the major internal domestic squabbles within Great Britain as they relate to empire. I found that the discussions on how world war 1 and 2 affected the empire were very accurate and to the point. The reader can get a very good sense of how the British were drained of resources by the wars and see the effect this had on empire. As nationalistic movements took root in the various countries the British found it more difficult to control. Particularly with the end of Lend Lease by Truman the British were forced to grant independence to their colonies. The last few chapters focus on the remaining parts of the empire and how they fit into the commonwealth including the struggle with the Falkland Islands. If the reader wants a much more detailed account of the empire try to the Oxford history five volume British Empire. Judd's account is very readable and well done for those wanting a review of the salient points in the Empire's history.

As an A-level student I found this book a superb support for my studies and full of factual information for essay writing. This book however was also very entertaining to read which always helps when studying for exams.

This book looks at specific events over the course of the history of the British Empire, and analyzes each in telling detail. A wonderful introduction seemingly designed for those, like me, who are fascinated by the British Empire and who want an overall introduction to its complicated history.

The author has conducted a thorough analysis of the real reasons behind english imperial expansion from 18th century onwards and presented the effects of this in it's context. Very enjoyable reading... Interesting to see how present governments are reacting identically to similiar geo-political issues.