The British Imagination

‘The “imagination” of Watson’s title is not merely the creative artistic imagination, but also that of scientists and inventors … he is right to conclude that the historic significance of Britain in these fields is immense … nuanced … intelligent’ – Simon Heffer * Spectator *
‘This book is a grand endeavour in every sense … Watson offers a kaleidoscopic, often provocative insight into British intellectual and social development over the centuries’ – Alexander Larman * Observer *
‘This is a book with much to offer – Watson highlights the role of scientific innovation in shaping British identity, gives intriguing insights about the contemporary Anglosphere and delivers a nuanced and appreciative account of the post-imperial and migrant contribution to modern English writing’ – Rowan Williams * Financial Times *
‘Peter Watson has form when it comes to probing a nation’s psyche … It is an ambitious and often stimulating book’ * Country Life *
‘The book has an easy style and an often compelling and not unimpressive narrative’ * TLS *

Peter Watson is a journalist, television presenter, and historian of ideas. He was a senior editor of the Sunday Times, New York correspondent of The Times, and a columnist for the Observer. He has written for multiple publications, including the New York Times and Spectator.

His books, which have been translated into more than 25 languages, include:

• Ideas: A History from Fire to Freud
• The German Genius
• The French Mind
• Convergence: The Idea at the Heart of Science

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.