British Civilization An Introduction

1. The UK Union and Its Peoples  2. The British Context  3. Politics and Government  4. International Relations  5. Economy and Social Class  6. Social Services  7. The Legal System  8. Education  9. Media, Sports and Culture  10. Identities, Multicultural Britain and Religion  11. The British Trajectory

Biography

John Oakland is former Senior Lecturer in English at the Norwegian University of Science and technology and the author (with David Mauk) of American Civilization, Irish Civilization (with Arthur Aughey), British Civilization: A Student’s Dictionary (2003) and Contemporary Britan (2001). 

Erik Mustad is Professor of American and British studies and didactics at the University of Agder. Mustad teaches American, British and Irish studies in addition to didactics. His publications include textbooks for lower and upper secondary schools in Norway plus articles and books for higher education. Mustad is a much-used media commentator on American, British and Irish affairs in Norway.

Øivind Bratberg is Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Oslo, where he teaches research methods and political theory alongside British and European politics. Bratberg has published widely on British politics and is a regular contributor to the public on current affairs in the UK.

'British Civilization (10th Edition) offers a thoughtful and engaging examination of the complexities of the United Kingdom, both historically and in the present. By integrating historical depth with contemporary relevance, this revised edition presents British society as a dynamic and evolving union shaped by centuries of migration, conflict, cultural exchange, and political transformation.

A distinguishing feature of this volume is its clear pedagogical design. The inclusion of structured learning outcomes, reflective prompts, and scaffolded analytical tasks encourages active engagement and critical thinking, improving its value for university students. The essayistic style moves beyond simple description, offering nuanced interpretations that invite readers to question, debate, and explore further.

As reflective outsiders, the authors offers a unique point of view that highlights both the continuities and tensions that shape British identity. Their balanced treatment of sensitive topics, including empire, multiculturalism, inequality, and Brexit, provides readers with both knowledge and the analytical tools necessary to understand ongoing debates regarding the future of the Union.

Combining accessibility with intellectual rigour, this book serves as an essential resource for those seeking to understand the historical foundations and contemporary challenges of the United Kingdom. It is likely to inspire students and scholars to engage more deeply with the evolving nature of Britain.'
Salvatore Ciancitto, Department of Humanities (DISUM), University of Catania (IT).

'The 10th edition of British Civilization is a valuable resource for introductory or overview courses on British culture. The authors have struck a successful balance between a concise, readable text and a range of integrated digital resources. The tone is accessible for students, the chapters have been streamlined from the previous edition, and the inclusion of pedagogical features such as the reflection prompts and QR-linked assignments is a practical addition for the modern classroom. These updates ensure the textbook continues to be a functional and accessible tool for both students and instructors of British Cultural Studies.'
Clare Maas, Trier University, Germany