Romance of Empire
Edited by: John Lang
Publisher: E.C. & T.C. Jack
Dates: 1908—1910
Authors: Ian D. Colvin, John Lang, Victor Surridge, R. Horsley, B. Willson
By the 19th century, the British Empire controlled a very large percentage of the world, and
had territories on every continent. The Romance of Empire Series was conceived in order
to provide detailed histories of each of the major provinces of the British Empire.
These histories of the British colonies were produced by E.C. Jack, and the books appear
similar to the
Marshall and
Macgregor.
series. They are lavishly illustrated, and very well written. In contrast to the former two
series however, the Romance of Empire series is told in greater detail and is directed
at an older audience. Marshall's Our Empire Story covers much of the
same material at a more simplified and condense form.
An entire book in the series is dedicated to each of the five major British provinces, being,
India, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Each history begins long before the
arrival of the British, and covers the earliest dealings of westerners with the indigenous
people. In addition to the five books about the major colonies, the series includes two
additional books. Land of the Golden Trade gives a history of colonial dealings
on the West Coast of Africa, including several chapters on the Slave Trade. The some
episodes of the history of
many of Britain's lesser colonies, including Gibraltar, Malta, and the West Indies are
given in Outposts of Empire
South Africa by Ian D. Colvin
This book is a comprehensive history of South Africa from the first exploration of Africa by the Portuguese to the Boer Wars. Twentieth century history not included, but the long struggle between Dutch and English settlers is covered in depth. As part of the Romance of Empire series, the book is helpful in understanding the pro-imperial point of view and the complexities of colonization.147 credits
Land of the Golden Trade by John Lang
This book covers the exploration of Africa from the earliest voyages of the ancient Phoenicians to about 1900. It's primary focus is the Ivory coast, and many of the stories are about the explorers, plunders, traders. slavers, and pirates who frequented Western Africa. There were few permanent European settlements in the area because of the difficult climate, so the historical stories are episodic rather than comprehensive. The history of the slave trade of particular interest. 122 credits
India by Victor Surridge
This book is part of the Romance of Empire series, written at the height of the British empire. It recounts many of the most exciting events in the history of India, from around the time Britain first established a trading post on the continent, in the 1600's, until the decades following the Indian Mutiny, in 1857. The treatment of Britain's involvement is in India is somewhat sympathetic, although many of the greatest blunders and questionable policies of the British Raj are owned up to squarely. 120 credits
New Zealand by R. Horsley
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Australia by John Lang
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Outposts of Empire by John Lang
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Canada by B. Willson
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