Britain and Europe, 1500-1780 - RALPH HOULBROOKE

This is a book of 'British' history with a focus on Britain's relationship with Europe. It explores the extent to which there is something special or different about British history.

The book has three organising themes: narrative, connection and comparison. It recounts the history of Britain during this period, with an emphasis on political relations and other connections between the three kingdoms, and between them and the continental powers.

Houlbrooke shows how, over the course of this epoch, Britain assumed a more active role in the traffic of ideas, as well as goods. He compares and contrasts the development of key institutions and structures - consitutional, religious, social - in Britain with that of relevant European counterparts.