Oceana, or, England and her Colonies

Eminent Victorian historian reflects on the British Empire in the light of travels in South Africa and Australasia in 1886.

James Anthony Froude (Author)

9781108023900, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

428 pages, 8 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.54 kg

James Anthony Froude (1818–1894) was one of the foremost historians in Victorian England, though he was often controversial and opinionated, especially towards Catholicism. His 1884 biography of Thomas Carlyle (which will also be reissued in this series), with its emphasis on Carlyle's weaknesses as well as his brilliance, caused lasting offence to many. In 1886 he spent six months travelling in South Africa, Australasia and America, and published Oceana on his return. He was very impressed by what he saw, and regretted popular indifference to the Empire at home. He believed that settlers from British colonies would reinvigorate and renew Britain itself as well as the Empire, since historically empires have a pattern of expansion and decay. His fears of the decline of Britain as a world power if she lost her Empire proved prophetic. A bestseller on publication, it remains a fascinating and readable account of his travels.

Preface
1. The dream of Sir James Harrington
2. The children of the sea
3. The Cape Colony
4. Arrival at Cape Town
5. The Indian Ocean
6. First sight of Australia
7. Landing at Melbourne
8. Expedition into the interior of the Colony
9. Bendigo
10. Colonial clubs
11. The train to Sydney
12. Visit to Moss Vale
13. Alternative prospects of the Australian colonies
14. Sail for New Zealand
15. Tour in the interior of the North Island
16. Road to the terraces
17. Ohinemutu again
18. Sir George Grey's Island
19. Sail for America
20. The American Union
21. The English Empire more easily formed than preserved.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]