Convergence or Divergence?

Relations with Continental Europe have been a central issue in British history. Several crucial questions can be identified: first how similar or dissimilar was Britain to other European countries in respect of its economy and political culture?; secondly how far can similarity and difference be understood in terms of convergence and divergence or of roughly parallel tracks reflecting and sustaining longstanding differences?; thirdly did British people feel themselves to be Europeans?; fourthly did the British people take an informed and sympathetic interest in what was happening on the Continent or did their ignorance of Europe lead to insularity and xenophobia?; and fifthly to what extent was the British stage and Britain as a whole involved in the affairs of Europe diplomatically militarily economically culturally? This wide-ranging thoughtful and provocative study tackles these questions from the late Iron Age to the current debate about European integration. It is at once an important contribution to British history and a crucial work for those seeking to understand Britain''s past and present position in Europe.