Bernard Porter explains how an understanding of the history of the British Empire helps to explain Britain's fundamental 'national identity' before and after Brexit-paradoxically with the driving theme that national independence is a myth. A riveting, lucid, and highly readable book.

Wm. Roger Louis, University of Texas, USA

Written with his customary panache, boldness of argument and fertile historical imagination, one of the most distinguished contemporary historians of Britain and its past empire turns his essayist eye upon the knotty question of Britain, Europe and its Brexit convulsion. Bernard Porter offers an illuminating and instructive interpretation to anyone who may still look back nostalgically to a legendary island country that never really was.

Bill Nasson, Emeritus Professor in History, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa