Why read Fight or Flight?

Book cover of Fight or Flight: Britain, France, and their Roads from Empire

Book description

Although shattered by war, in 1945 Britain and France still controlled the world's two largest colonial empires, with imperial territories stretched over four continents. And they appeared determined to keep them: the roll-call of British and French politicians, soldiers, settlers and writers who promised in word and print at this…

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European history

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Why read it?

1 author picked Fight or Flight as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Brian McAllister Linn

Author

As part of an international project comparing imperial retreat and the wars of decolonization (or national liberation), I had to do extensive reading in this growing field.

Although there have been some important works, including a recent Pulitzer Prize winner, Martin Thomas’s book was one of the first and remains one of the best. The book’s title summarizes the choice facing post-World War 2 British and French leaders: did they attempt to defend colonial rule or abandon their overseas empires?

In both countries, the overseas colonies were seen as essential both economically and for national prestige. With impressive research and…

From Brian's 3 favorite reads in 2023.