The imperial achievement: The rise and transformation of the British Empire

by John Bowle

The Imperial Achievement. The Rise and Transformation of the British Empire

Genres: History

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

9.5/10.

I have been desperately searching for a book on the history of the British Empire for the longest period. Such a search, however, presents a massive problem: “empire” and “imperialism” are now thought of as abhorrent manifestations of “evil White people”. Yet, how could one get a comprehensive view of the entirety of the history of the British Empire when it really only ended in the 1960s? By this time, the rise of Critical Theory had already taken place, destroying all connection to our European heritage.

Well, despite all these considerations, I have found the book. Bowle has written perhaps the best history of the British Empire that could have been written. Finishing his book in 1974, when “racism” was less important than real facts, he has written an excellent exposition of the Empire’s history. From 1500 to 1974, everything is covered in every continent. America, Africa, India, East Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and more — all of these are covered in 80-100 year intervals.

You will learn the stories of many enterprising British men. Of eccentric pirates in the West Indies. Of money-hungry men seeking fur-riches in Canada. Of the pioneers of the Australian Outback. Of the first explorers in Black Africa. Interspersed with all of these little stories are quotes from the men of the period. What did the British pioneers of America, the West Indies, South Africa, Rhodesia, British India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand want and believe? Why did they migrate? Did they have a racial or national connection to others like themselves? These questions are all answered.

I highly recommend this book to get a factual, positive perspective on the British Empire and learn about its creation, continuation, and eventual collapse.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good survey of the British Empire but it should be read with a grain of salt. As the title suggests, it is essentially a celebration of the Empire. The author, writing in 1974, sought to "correct" the denigration of the British Empire both in Britain and in the world. The ex-colonies were "intoxicated" with independence, Bowle argues, their views "distorted" by a picture of 'colonialism' and 'imperialism' that has mirrored the old attitudes of the colonizers. In the United Kingdom itself, he writes, "insular class resentments have been extrapolated into the history of the Empire and Commonwealth and, like adolescents out to shock their parents, those concerned have written off the world-historical achievement as an aspect of an 'establishment' that is all the more resented because it remains pragmatic, tenacious, adaptable and representative." What is presented here, then, is a mostly favorable portrait of the British Empire by a popular historian who is most certainly a part of the "Establishment" he so admires. The resulting commentary, though well written and well organized, tends to take an official view of the empire that was already by 1974 very outdated and overly celebratory.

[Briapedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read encompassing the entire timeline of the British Empire. I especially enjoyed the numerous footnotes suggesting related books for greater depth on certain topics. A great read.