This Sovereign Isle cover art

This Sovereign Isle

Britain in and out of Europe

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This Sovereign Isle

By: Robert Tombs
Narrated by: Mark Elstob
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Geography comes before history. Islands cannot have the same history as continental plains. The United Kingdom is a European country, but not the same kind of European country as Germany, Poland or Hungary. For most of the 150 centuries during which Britain has been inhabited it has been on the edge, culturally and literally, of mainland Europe.

In this succinct book, Tombs shows that the decision to leave the EU is historically explicable - though not made historically inevitable - by Britain's very different historical experience, especially in the 20th century and because of our more extensive and deeper ties outside Europe. He challenges the orthodox view that Brexit was due solely to British or English exceptionalism: in choosing to leave the EU, the British, he argues, were in many ways voting as typical Europeans.

©2021 Robert Tombs (P)2021 Penguin Audio 21st Century Europe Great Britain Modern Politics & Government Imperialism

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All stars
Most relevant  
I enjoyed this book. The history was clearly explained and changed my view of Brexit. I was a remainer, and like many others felt like it was the end of the world when we left. This book makes a strong argument for why this isn't necessarily the
case. As well as being well written, it was well read. I'm now considering buying a paper copy.

Enlightening

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Everyone should read this whether they voted to Remain or to Leave. Starting from a review of Britain’s relationship with Europe and the earlier days of the birth of the EU it takes the reader through to the present day. It poses important questions of where Britain goes next.

The first historical review of Brexit which illuminates the past and indicates potential futures outside of the EU.

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Refreshing arguments no scaremongering a new chapter without fear for the UK ups and downs I'm sure but the people's choice must be respected .

facts not biased dogma

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If you want a well written historic insight into the reason why British people don't care for the European Union, this is it.

Good historic perspective

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Very much enjoyed this audiobook.

Balanced examination and detail from both sides as we look back on that troublesome period in our recent history. would recommend 👌

Gripping Yet Balanced.

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Aside from being correct in his beliefs, Professor Tombs delves in to each intellectual argument with both patience and logic, both of which have been sadly lacking in the current anti-Brexit climate in the UK. Thoroughly recommended listening!

Intellectually Rigorous!

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As a committed pro European and remain campaigner its vital to understand those who believe the opposing view. This is more of a history arguably a but one sided and the narrator talks with a bit of a sneer. Much to make you think and especially the authors view of sovereignty

Don’t agree with many parts but a must read

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An excellent overview of the recent, and historical, relationship between Britain and Europe. Many interesting facts are presented that have often been forgotten or overlooked in the febrile debates around Brexit. Parties from both sides of that debate could find this book useful.

Superb

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A serious work of history... breathtaking in its scope and pace.... debunking myths in every chapter.

Book of the Year?

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excellent book well narrated by an actor who doesn't ham it up too much as they tend to do. the narrator descends into sneering occasionally but on the whole did a good job.

excellent book

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