Table of Contents

1. Introduction: state and empire in British history; 2. The empire of Great Britain: England, Scotland and Ireland, c. 1542–1612; 3. Protestantism and empire: Hakluyt, Purchas and property; 4. The empire of the seas, 1576–1689; 5. Liberty and empire; 6. The political economy of empire; 7. Empire and ideology in the Walpolean era.

Promotional Information

Comprehensive history of British conceptions of empire from the 1540s to the 1740s.

Reviews

'The Ideological Origins of the British Empire is an important and necessary work.' Andrew Hadfield, Times Literary Supplement ' ... lucid in style and solid in research.' The Calcutta Telegraph (Editor's Choice) '... Armitage has produced an unexpected, original and persuasive account of the vexed - and charged - ideological relationship of empire, liberty and Britishness during the early modern period.' History of Political Thought ' ... a valuable addition to studies on the British Empire. The author furnishes a fascinating analysis of political thought and ideological history, showing the difficulties encountered in the way of legitimating colonialism and political domination.' Contemporary South Asia ' ... a valuable addition to studies on the British Empire. The author furnishes a fascinating analysis of political thought and ideological history, showing the difficulties encountered in the way of legitimating colonialism and political domination.' Contemporary South Asia '... impressively learned and forcefully argued ...'. Yearbook of English Studies