Balanced and nuanced

Shows both sides of the story, and that the truth is more complicated than the polarised view most accounts of the British Empire take

6 people found this helpful

A robust rebuttal of anti-colonialism

As a theologian Nigel Biggar analyses each of the many strands of anti-British rhetoric from both an historical and ethical point of view. He is robust in his views. He tackles slavery, racism, rapaciousness, conquest and accusations of genocide in the British Empire. He discusses topical subjects such as the Anglo-Boer war, Irish and Bengal famines, reparations, the Benin bronzes, the opium wars, Rhodes and Churchill. And yes there are areas and events where actions are questionable or bad (slavery) but overall the British ruled with a light touch were not racist and left a beneficial legacy.

5 people found this helpful

An Essential Read

An excellent well researched book for those who need to educate themselves on Colonialism as we are scolded to do these days.

1 person found this helpful

A fastidious correction of lazy & frankly ignorant prejudice

The book might, at first, appear to be a defence of empire - it’s not.

What it does is apply the meticulous methods of serious scholarship to a subject which has been ruthlessly distorted, often by bad scholarship, for political purposes. I was surprised and faintly ashamed by the fact that many of the assumptions I had accepted about colonialism and certain incidents frequently mentioned by critics of the British Empire, were the equivalent of hearsay weaponised by malicious gossip.

Biggar references a plethora of original documents from the colonial era as well as numerous scholars on both sides of the various arguments, & evaluates the positions presented in the light of his own academic specialism, ethics

1 person found this helpful

Perhaps too detailed, but highly valuable and accurate informative

Well read, informative and persuasive, if sometimes perhaps too detailed. But the author has to set out his evidence comprehensively to challenge the current anti colonial ideology. And he does so impressively and convincingly.

Excellent all round and a profound book

Read this even if you think you know about the British colonial period. It’s full of honesty and integrity. Highly needed these days.

Excellent, thoughtful work

A very thorough and balanced review on the British Empire. The author gives a fascinating insight on many of the key historical moments. The narration was very good also. Recommend!

a must read for anyone who seeks balance

All to often the ability to think and write critically is dismissed these days, to be replaced by stumped idealogical rhetoric -particularly on this subject. An excellent must read and remember book.

Not an defense of Empire, but...

One of the most informative and enjoyable books I have listened to in a while, which I hope will move the debate on current cultural issues. The author does not try to apologise for the British Empire, or empires more broadly, but does put them in appropriate historical context.

In each chapter he systematically looks at current prevailing wisdom and talking points including topical issues such as the "Rhodes must fall/ decolonise the campus" movements and dismantles these claims dispassionately, where the conclusion is often that, "bad thing happened, and these are the specific events /reasons leasing to it", rather than an evil intent on behalf of the British empire, or those acting on its behalf. There are also cases where the empire actually did more good than bad, espically given historical context.

The author towards the end of the book makes the argument that often critique of the British Empire is actually a way of critiquing of the West and capitalist system at large via 'the back door', implying that the whilst motives are sometimes benign, some of the more vocal activists are not "righting historical wrongs" but more concerned with achieving political power in the present.

a good read!

Essential reading

Should be a required text in all schools. Well argued and balanced with a thorough review of the evidence.