Englishness: Politics and Culture 1880-1920 - Definitive

In this review of Englishness: Politics and Culture 1880-1920, the bottom line is straightforward: this updated edition is essential reading for students and scholars seeking a focused account of how English national identity was shaped in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. The book's value lies in its collection of essays that trace cultural and political formations between 1880 and 1920, and the new introduction and afterword place the original material in contemporary scholarly context. Readers looking for rigorous historical interpretation will find the work consistently thoughtful and grounded.

Key Features

• The new introduction by Robert Colls and Philip Dodd explains how subsequent research has reframed the essays and helps readers situate the original arguments in present debates.
• Concentrates on the formative period 1880-1920 so readers can follow developments in national identity across three crucial decades.
• Brings together influential essays that have had a long-term impact on writing and research about Englishness, making it a convenient reference for coursework.
• The material speaks to readers of history, politics, sociology and literature, offering perspectives useful for varied academic courses.
• The afterword by Will Self links the historical material to contemporary debate, helping readers to see modern resonances with earlier themes.

Who It's For

This edition is primarily aimed at university students and researchers on courses in modern British history, politics, sociology and literature who need a sustained, scholarly exploration of national identity during 1880-1920. Instructors building reading lists will find the essays provide clear case studies and useful historiographical touchpoints.

Less suitable are readers seeking a broad general history of England spanning many centuries or a popular narrative; those audiences should look for comprehensive general histories rather than a focused collection of essays devoted to the concept of Englishness in a particular historical window.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a focused, scholarly examination of national identity during a pivotal historical period.
• Includes a new introduction that updates the book's context with later research, improving its usefulness for current study.
• Interdisciplinary collection useful across history, politics, sociology and literature courses.

Cons

• Its narrow chronological focus means it is not a substitute for a general history of England beyond 1880-1920.

Specifications

Title	Englishness: Politics and Culture 1880-1920
Authors / Editors	Robert Colls, Philip Dodd
Edition	Updated edition with new introduction and afterword
Afterword	Will Self
Subject focus	English national identity, 1880-1920
Intended audience	Students and scholars of history, politics, sociology and literature

Our Verdict

Englishness: Politics and Culture 1880-1920 remains a valuable, well-curated collection for anyone studying the formation of national identity in modern Britain. The updated introduction and afterword enhance its relevance, making this edition good value for students and researchers who need a concentrated, academically minded resource rather than a sweeping general history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include new material?
Yes, it contains a new introduction by Robert Colls and Philip Dodd and an afterword by Will Self that update the original essays for contemporary readers.

Who benefits most from this book?
Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers in history, politics, sociology and literature, will gain the most from its focused analysis of 1880-1920.

Is this a general history of England?
No, it is a collection focused specifically on how Englishness was defined and redefined between 1880 and 1920 and is not a comprehensive general history.