Why is English national
identity so enigmatic and so elusive? Why, unlike the Scots, Irish and most
of continental Europe, do the English find it so difficult to say
who they are? The Making of English National Identity is a
fascinating exploration of Englishness and what it means to be English.
Drawing on historical, sociological and literary theory, Krishan
Kumar examines the rise of English nationalism and issues of race and
ethnicity from earliest times to the present day. He argues that the long
history of the English as an imperial people has, as with other imperial
people like the Russians and the Austrians, developed a sense of missionary
nationalism which in the interests of unity and empire has necessitated the
repression of ordinary expression of nationalism. Professor Kumar's lively
and provocative approach challenges readers to reconsider their
pre-conceptions about national identity and who the English really are.
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