Hardback

In his ground-breaking new book, Sathnam Sanghera traces the legacies of British empire around the world. ‘Beautifully written, and not just a welcome corrective but a book for our times. This is essential reading’ Peter Frankopan

2.6 billion people are inhabitants of former British colonies.

The empire’s influence upon the quarter of the planet it occupied, and its gravitational influence upon the world outside it, has been profound: from the spread of Christianity by missionaries, to nearly 1 in 3 driving on the left side of the road, to the origins of international law. Yet Britain’s idea of its imperial history and the world’s experience of it are two very different things. With an inimitable combination of wit, political insight and personal honesty, the award-winning author and journalist explores the international legacies of British empire, from the creation of tea plantations across the globe, to environmental destruction, conservation, and the imperial connotations of Royal tours.

His journey takes him from Barbados and Mauritius to India and Nigeria and beyond. In doing so, Sanghera demonstrates just how deeply British imperialism is baked into our world. And why it’s time Britain was finally honest with itself about empire.

‘Once again, Sathnam Sanghera has advanced the civil conversation we all need to have about empire and its legacies’ Jonathan Coe

‘Engages in deep research and historical re-analysis . . . also a profoundly moving work of personal insight, intelligence and compassion’ Elizabeth Day

‘This is a ground-breaking and eye-opening book, that everyone should read. Written with wit, nuance and academic rigour; it is a long overdue look at Empire and its effect on the world’ Kavita Puri