The British Imagination

A History of Ideas from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II
The third in Peter Watson's spiritual trilogy, including THE GERMAN GENIUS and THE FRENCH MIND: a masterful and epic intellectual history of Britain

‘Extensive and intelligent . a guide to the nature of British intellectual curiosity’ Spectator

The reign of Queen Elizabeth I ushered in an unprecedented age of exploration and discovery. Over 500 years that saw  ‘the greatest expansion of ideas and knowledge the world has ever seen’, a small island nation, for centuries a cultural backwater, asserted itself as a world power. 

Breathtaking in scope, embracing literature, science, art, religion, philosophy and politics, The British Imagination brings to life those centuries between Elizabeth I and II, and asks the provocative question – are we still living in a British 'metaphysical empire'?

From the acclaimed author of The German Genius and The French Mind, this is a lively and deeply researched history of the most influential personalities and ideas that made modern Britain. 

‘Intriguing insights about the contemporary Anglosphere . nuanced and appreciative’ Financial Times

‘Peter Watson has form when it comes to probing a nation’s psyche . Ambitious and stimulating’ Country Life
 
 

 

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