Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga - Non Fiction - Paperback
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Title:
Black and British: A Forgotten History
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781447299769
Overview:
David Olusoga’s groundbreaking narrative invites readers to reimagine British history as a shared, intertwined story. In Black and British: A Forgotten History, Olusoga surveys the long, complex relationship between the British Isles and the peoples of Africa and the Caribbean, weaving together archaeology, genealogical research, and archival records to illuminate moments where black lives have shaped Britain’s development—and, in turn, where British power and culture have touched Africa and the Atlantic world. The book travels from the humbling echoes of Roman Britain to the medieval imagination, through Elizabethan encounters with the ‘blackamoors,’ and into the brutal realities and legacies of the global slave-trading empire. It argues that Britain’s nineteenth-century industrial ascent rested on—and was inseparable from—slavery, while also celebrating the courage of black Britons who stood alongside their countrymen in battles from Trafalgar to the trenches of the world wars. Accessible yet rigorously researched, this is a work that reframes what it means to be British and offers a richer sense of national identity for all readers. The narrative is unflinching, challenging taboos and revealing long-hidden connections that belong to us all.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
Olusoga’s approach blends authoritative scholarship with compelling storytelling, making a dense history feel immediate and personal. He draws on new genealogical research and a wealth of original records to uncover previously overlooked episodes and voices, from everyday acts of resilience to moments of national decision. The prose carries both clarity and passion, guiding readers through centuries with a sense of discovery and awe. This is not merely a chronicle of dates, but a weaving together of cultures, identities, and power—showing how African and Caribbean threads are essential to Britain’s social fabric, language, cuisine, art, and institutions. It’s a book that invites readers to rethink history as a shared, evolving conversation, one that makes the past feel relevant to contemporary debates about race, memory, and belonging.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
Ideal for curious general readers, students of history, and anyone seeking a fuller picture of Britain’s past beyond traditional narratives. It appeals to readers who enjoy literary history, social history, and Atlantic world studies, as well as those interested in cultural identity, race relations, and national memory. Teachers and researchers will value the book’s accessible synthesis of large-scale themes with concrete, human-scale stories. It also makes a thoughtful gift for readers exploring BookTok and broader cultural discussions about representation, diversity, and the legacy of empire. Whether you’re beginning your journey into this era or deepening an existing interest, this book offers a thoughtful, engaging route into a more inclusive history.
Key Highlights:
- Groundbreaking reexamination of Black British history across centuries
- Uses genealogical research and primary sources to illuminate hidden connections
- Vivid, accessible narrative that blends social, political, and cultural history
- Explores Britain’s links to Africa and the Caribbean within a global context
- Award-winning scholarship with broad appeal for students and general readers
- Provocative, dialogue-starting insights into identity and memory
- Ideal for classroom discussion, personal discovery, and gifting
About the Author:
David Olusoga is a British historian, author, and broadcaster renowned for illuminating the global dimensions of British history. He wrote Black and British: A Forgotten History to illuminate the intertwined pathways of Britain, Africa, and the Caribbean, and has presented numerous documentary programs that bring scholarly research to a wide audience. Olusoga’s work is celebrated for its rigorous evidence, accessible storytelling, and ability to connect past events to contemporary questions about race, empire, and nation. His writing consistently engages both scholars and general readers, inviting deep reflection as well as broad discussion about how history shapes present-day society.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
This is more than a history book; it’s a reframing of national identity that invites readers to see Britain through a longer, more interconnected lens. The narrative rewards careful reading with surprising discoveries, vivid portraits, and memorable episodes that illuminate how people of African and Caribbean descent have influenced every facet of British life. The book’s prizes and praise speak to its enduring value as a landmark, accessible work. Owning this edition means owning a richer context for discussions about culture, heritage, and belonging—perfect for readers who want depth without losing the joy of a compelling story.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
