Britain and Europe 1789-2005

Britain has played a crucial role in the political evolution of modern Europe, yet it has often been ambivalent about involvement on "the continent": sometimes glad to be part of European civilization, but at other times insular and separate.

This book examines Britain's evolving role from the English and European viewpoints of politicians, diplomats, historians and travelers in the centuries since the French Revolution. It also reviews the foreign policy of the United Kingdom and its relations with European countries during its imperial domination of the global and in the aftermath. The book studies historical perceptions, experiences and assumptions that preceded and still exist and influence Britain's participation in the European Union.

“This is a striking achievement. Surveying a vast canvas in consistently readable prose, Professor Robbins offers thought-provoking answers to a question that concerns us all: how has Britain seen itself in relation to 'Europe' in modern times? It is no mean feat of organization to combine coverage of diplomacy and politics with passages on industrialization and tourism, meanwhile keeping in focus subjects such as religion and pacifism that in other hands might not have been accorded the significance they deserve. It is a pleasure to find his text studded with examples of his own dry wit.” —Simon Dixon, Professor of History, Leeds University

“This is a very cogent and scholarly piece of work that will prove to be a valuable addition to the existing literature. It is engagingly and elegantly written, and moves along smoothly like a Rolls Royce engine.” —Thomas Otte, Reviews Editor, Diplomacy and Statecraft