The legend is that Americans think of the English as wearing bowler hats, reading The Times, drinking tea, and addressing each other as "old boy".

If this legend still persists (and it seems quite possible, because most Americans do not hold passports), it is time to put the record straight.

This series sets out to show what the English thought about losing their American colonies (not much), how they collected an empire (and lost it), how they became "top nation" (and then slipped), an how generally wonderful (and modest) they are.

Any American would be a better person for knowing this.

Part of the "Talking of History" series by the same author. See The End of the Monasteries, Cardinal Wolsey, The Duke of Wellington, and The American War of Independence.

About the Author
Berwick Coates holds an honours degree in History from Cambridge University, and has been studying, teaching, writing, and talking about History for forty years. He has presented History to all abilities, all ages, and all walks of life.

He has published five books, and is working on a trilogy of historical novels about eleventh-century Normandy, as well as a historical whodunit about the Crusades.

‘After a lifetime spent getting people interested in History, it is my belief that there is no substitute for the spoken word. People like being talked to. And they like to know where they come from. History gives us our roots; without roots, nothing grows.'

‘It is also my belief that people will tackle the most complicated topics if those topics are presented with care, timing, sympathy, and humour. These talks may start with a light touch – even perhaps a superficial one – but that is only to get you on board. From then on, all I ask you to do is listen, and enjoy the ride.'

‘After many of my previous talks, people have come up to me and said, “I wish I had had History presented like this when I was at school.” Well, now is your chance to catch up.’