"A journey through the events of the postwar years that makes the outcome of Britain’s Brexit referendum much easier to comprehend.” (Julian Lewis, member of Parliament).

In 2016, Britain stunned itself and the world by voting to pull out of the European Union, leaving financial markets reeling and global politicians and citizens in shock. But was Brexit really a surprise, or are there clues in Britain’s history that pointed to this moment? In A History of Britain: 1945 to Brexit, award-winning historian Jeremy Black reexamines modern British history, considering the social changes, economic strains, and cultural and political upheavals that brought Britain to Brexit.

This sweeping and engaging book traces Britain’s path through the destruction left behind by World War II, Thatcherism, the threats of the IRA, the Scottish referendum, and on to the impact of waves of immigrants from the European Union. Along the way, Black overturns many conventional interpretations of significant historical events, provides context for current developments, and encourages the listener to question why we think the way we do about Britain’s past.

The book is published by Indiana University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"Jeremy Black is a superlative guide to modern British history." (Michael Gove, member of parliament of the United Kingdom)

"Professor Black demonstrates an enviable ability to communicate the most complex events incisively and economically." (Julian Lewis, member of parliament of the United Kingdom, chairman, House of Commons Defense Committee)