The British and German Worlds in an Age of Divergence (1600-1850): Ambiguous Entanglements

The question of whether Britain is ＂apart from or a part of Europe＂ (D. Abulafia) has gained significance in recent years. This book reassesses an underexplored field of early modern transnational history: the variety of ways in which connections between Britain and German-speaking Europe shaped developments.

After a comprehensive introduction, this book is divided into three parts: cross-border transfers and appropriations of knowledge; coping with alterity in intergovernmental contacts; and ideologising the cultural nation. The topics range from the exchange of religious and political ideas over court life, diplomacy, and espionage to literary and philosophical debates. Particular attention is paid to the media processes involved and to the practical value of knowledge about the ＂other＂ in different historical contexts. The picture emerging from the case studies reveals an intriguing dynamic: Mutual interest and ambiguous entanglements deepened precisely at a time when the British and German worlds diverged evermore from each other in terms of social and political structures.

This fascinating volume sheds new light on Anglo-German relations and will be essential reading for students of early modern European history.

Niels Grüne is Associate Professor of Modern History at Innsbruck University. He received his Ph.D. from Bielefeld University and was previously a Fellow of the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies. His research explores the social, cultural, and political history of sixteenth- to nineteenth-century Europe.

Stefan Ehrenpreis is Professor of Modern History at Innsbruck University. He received his Ph.D. from Bochum University and gained his habilitation at the Humboldt University Berlin. His main research areas are the Holy Roman Empire, the history of religion, and educational history in the early modern period.