Reviews

The Break Up of Britain: Crisis and Neo-Nationalism by Tom Nairn

brendini's review

5.0

Rarely have I read a book which so perfectly delves into the politics of a state. Though the drama of the title may throw some off, as Britain has not broken up as Nairn predicted in 1977, I would advise not allowing it to distract you. This book is fundamentally a critical examination of the British state, it’s history and it’s politics, particularly it’s progressive politics. The scathing criticisms that Nairn reserves for the left are particularly on the money in my opinion. The only criticism I would have is that history has rendered the two postscripts rather defunct, as they exists mostly to explain the continued relevance of this book in 1981 and 2003 respectively. In 2021 however, we have returned to a world and a Britain that shares much with 1977 and, as such, I would argue that this work is more relavent than it has ever been. The Break-up of Britain is undoubtedly a must read.

aniblaahh's review

3.0

So interesting, some great ideas that have stuck with me but so so hard to read and get through.