Discover the 12 crucial moments in Britain's past that will answer the greatest questions for our future in this richly insightful and fascinating history

'A richly entertaining canter through the country's past. Engrossing' INDEPENDENT
___________

In 878 the borders of Alfred the Great's Wessex were confined to a small patch of marshland in Somerset. This was Britain.

Four centuries later, and the country straddled the English Channel, embracing much of what we now know as France.

Six hundred years later, its boundaries were to be found in the Caribbean, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Sunda Strait. These, too, were Britain.

Yet when - and where - did Britain begin?

Is the shape of Britain led by the British - or are foreign powers more responsible for our borders than we realise? Is Britain justified in its island mentality? Will Britain ever be at ease with its own borders?

And is the shape of Britain soon to change all over again? . . .

This comprehensive, entertaining and concise new history uses twelve maps to explain Britain's most characteristic trait - our need to be both part of the wider world, yet separate from it.

**Please note a printing error in map 10 is now being fixed**

An exploration of British history and identity through the examination of 12 critical maps.

About the Author

Philip Parker is a writer, consultant and publisher specialising in ancient and medieval political and military systems. He studied history at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and is the author of A History of Britain in Maps (2016), the DK Eyewitness Companion Guide to World History (2010) and many more.

He was the general editor of Anova's Great Trade Routes (2010), and winner of a Certificate of Merit for the Mountbatten Maritime Award in the Maritime Media Awards 2013. As a publisher he ran The Times books list, including works on ancient civilizations and The Times History of the World.

Philip lives in London with his partner and daughter.

Reviews
Charting the formation and then break-up of British rule, Small Island provides a richly entertaining canter through the country's past. An engrossing book, offering stimulating observations about our cultural evolution as well as predictions for Britain's future. * Independent *
His rather bouncy style makes this a perfect book for a summer read that informs, engages and entertains * Great British Life *



Book Information
ISBN 9780241368268
Author Philip Parker
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Michael Joseph Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 480g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 160mm * 26mm