Crisis Of Empire - Britain And America In The Eighteenth Century

“Crisis of Empire – Britain and America in the Eighteenth Century” by Jeremy Black, published by Continuum in 2010, offers a compelling and incisive exploration of the political, economic, and ideological tensions between Britain and its American colonies in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War.

Key Highlights:

• Broad yet clear context – Black paints the big picture of the late imperial world: the clash of global ambitions, transatlantic trade, and colonial entitlement.

• Depth of analysis – Rather than a simple narrative of taxation and rebellion, he probes themes like identity, diplomacy, military power, Atlantic politics, and cultural exchange.

• Nuanced storytelling – You’ll find interpretations that challenge simplistic myths—examining both British policy missteps and American colonial expectations.

• Modern perspective – With hindsight informed by empire’s collapse, the book considers how Britain and America fundamentally reshaped each other during this period of crisis.

Why it stands out:

• Concise enough for undergraduates, yet rich enough to intrigue scholars and general readers alike.

• Offers a tightly argued thesis: the American Revolution emerged not just from taxation or representation but from a deeper imperial dislocation.

• Winner for history lovers seeking a balanced, fresh debate rooted in sound research and eloquent prose.

If you’re picking it up through “Crappy Old Books”—maybe in their bargain section—it’s a solid, thought-provoking read that punches well above its retail price. Whether you’re brushing up on colonial history or diving deeper into the forces that birthed modern America and reshaped Britain, Black’s book is a valuable addition to your shelf.

Near new condition, however, the back cover is a bit sticky like it had a sticky label on it that was peeled off, but its almost across the entire back cover. I tried cleaning it off with a small amount of spitits which got rid of the main visual gook, but its still sticky.  Other than that its in near new condition.

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