Geography Is Destiny: Britain’s Place in the World: A 10,000-Year History

Morris (War! What Is It Good For??) reminds readers that Brexit was not the first divide of its kind in Britain’s long history. Covering prehistory through the future date of 2103, Morris explores Britain’s place in world history. When Britain began, it was hard to get to and hard to settle on. When it entered the world stage, it was “Europe’s poor cousin.” From there, it seemed the only way to go was up. But the climb was not easy. Morris cleverly uses three maps to guide this history, using geography to explain what led to the country’s dramatic rise and potentially plateau. Leaders turn towards the other side of the Atlantic started an imperial journey that has waned in modern times. Other world powers have found their place, often knocking Britain out of its once prime spot. Brexit is just the latest in a list of conflicts Britain has faced in its “big history.”