The Making of English National Identity [Hardcover]

A fascinating 2003 exploration of Englishness and what it means to be English rather than British.The Making of English National Identity is a fascinating exploration of Englishness and what it means to be English rather than British. Drawing on historical, sociological and literary theory, Krishan Kumar examines the rise of English nationalism and issues of race and ethnicity from the Norman Conquest to the present day in a lively and provocative way that challenges and encourages the reader to reconsider their pre-conceptions about nationalism and identity and who the English really are. This scholarly and enjoyable book will be a valuable contribution to current debates.The Making of English National Identity is a fascinating exploration of Englishness and what it means to be English rather than British. Drawing on historical, sociological and literary theory, Krishan Kumar examines the rise of English nationalism and issues of race and ethnicity from the Norman Conquest to the present day in a lively and provocative way that challenges and encourages the reader to reconsider their pre-conceptions about nationalism and identity and who the English really are. This scholarly and enjoyable book will be a valuable contribution to current debates.Drawing on historical, sociological and literary theory, Krishan Kumar examines the rise of English nationalism and issues of race and ethnicity from the Norman Conquest to the present. This study encourages reconsideration of pre-conceptions about nationalism and identity.Preface; 1. English or British? The question of English national identity; 2. Nations and nationalism: civic, ethnic and imperial nations; 3. When was England?; 4. The first English empire; 5. The English nation: parent or nationalism?; 6. The making of British identity; 7. The moment of Englishness; 8. The English and the British today. The breadth of this book is impressive and includes sharp analysis and informative detail. It deserves a wide readershilƒn