Great Britain's geopolitical role in the global scheme of things has undergone many radical changes over the last four centuries. Once a maritime superpower and ruler of half the world, Britain's current position as an isolated, economically fragile island squabbling with her European neighbours often seems difficult to accept, if not comprehend. Spanning four centuries and six continents, Lawrence James' work examines the imperial experience and its legacy. In this new edition his original work has been abridged and illustrated with photographs, paintings and ephemera to create a comprehensive summary of the era.