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The Break-Up of Britain

Crisis and Neo-Nationalism
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( 52 ratings, 10 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Break-Up of Britain by Tom Nairn is an in-depth analysis of the political and cultural forces challenging the unity of the United Kingdom. It delves into the evolving identities of its constituent nations and examines the tensions arising from devolution and nationalism. Focusing on historical contexts, it offers an insightful exploration of the factors threatening the traditional British state structure.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this insightful exploration of the political and social dynamics that challenge the unity of Britain. The author examines the historical forces and contemporary issues that contribute to regional tensions, making it an engaging read for those interested in the complexities of nationalism and statecraft within the context of the UK's evolving identity.

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A defining study of British history and politics

A defining study of British history and politics

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this classic text, first published in 1977, Tom Nairn memorably depicts the ‘slow foundering’ of the United Kingdom on the rocks of imperial decline, constitutional anachronism, and the gathering force of civic nationalism.

Rich in comparisons between the nationalisms of the British Isles and those of the wider world, thoughtful in its treatment of the interaction between nationality and social class, The Break-Up of Britain concludes with a bravura essay on the Janus-faced nature of national identity. Postscripts from the Thatcher and Blair years trace the political strategies whose upshot accelerated the demise of a British state they were intended to serve.

As a second Scottish independence referendum beckons, a new Introduction by Anthony Barnett underlines the book’s enduring relevance.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Break-Up of Britain by Tom Nairn is praised for its incisive analysis of the British state, challenging the conventional view by highlighting the multinational nature of Great Britain. Reviewers commend Nairn's vivid, stylistic writing and profound insights into the UK's political and constitutional issues, emphasising his influence on the national discourse. His work is considered groundbreaking and prophetic, sparking a crucial debate about the disintegration and future of the United Kingdom.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781781683200

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Edition: 3rd New edition

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Anthony Barnett

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 377g

Pages: 464

About the Author

Tom Nairn's many books include The Break-up of Britain, Faces of Nationalism, After Britain, and The Enchanted Glass. He writes for, among others, New Left Review and the London Review of Books.

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