This is a comprehensive survey of the entire history of the British empire. Avoiding the polemics or apologetics that were inevitable when the empire was still at the centre of political controversy, T. O. Lloyd describes the full sweep of expansion and decolonization from the voyages of discovery in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to the achievement of independence in the second half of the twentieth century. Drawing out both parallels and differences between paths of development throughout the empire, Professor Lloyd provides a unified and coherent account of a vital period in the history of all the countries that make up the modern Commonwealth. For the second edition, Professor Lloyd has revised the text, updated the bibliography and tables, and added a final chapter on 'The World after the Empire', which examines the important events and issues of today in countries of the former empire, such as South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia.

T.O. Lloyd's profile page

T.O. Lloyd is at University of Toronto.

'The style is refreshing an vigorous, as befits the subject, but never parts company from a consistently sober judgement on men and events.' International Affairs

'it must be said at once, and with considerable respect, that this is by far the best one-volume history of the empire so far written.' Times Literary Supplement

'Professor Loyd is to be congratulated on his masterly and eminently readable synthesis which will be of the greatest value as a basic text in schools and universities.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'He adopts a degree of detachment not possible for earlier historians, who once celebrated the imperial mission, then denounced exploitation.' David Twiston Davies, Catholic Herald

'Professor Lloyd writes easily and informatively. His bibliographical essay guides the reader expertly throught the maze of recent and not so recent writings on the subject. His excellent book will appeal both to those who are relatively familiar with the imperial story and those who are looking for a fresh understanding of the British Empire in a post-imperial age.' History