Empire and Cultural Change: Visual Arts, Film, and Architecture

by Romita Ray (Editor), Jos Hackforth-Jones (Editor)

Since the 1830s, Empire permeated the domestic culture of imperial nations in many ways. Consumables, the excitement of colonial wars, and celebrations relating to events in the history of Empire all led to citizens being encouraged to think of themselves, not only as citizens of a nation, but of an Empire. Popular culture of the period presented Empire as a force for 'civilisation', but this was often far from the truth. Imperialism could be a repressive mechanism designed to ultimately benefit white settlers and the metropolitan economy.

This four volume collection contains a wide array of primary sources that focus on Empire and Popular Culture, complimented by editorial narratives which help the reader to understand their significance. Informed by the recent advocacy of a 'four-nation' approach to Empire, it contains documents from the perspective of England, Scotland Ireland and Wales, as well as indigenous perspectives. The sources reveal both the celebratory and the notorious sides of Empire.

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Published September 15, 2021