First published in 1989, this is the second of three volumes exploring the changing notions of patriotism in British life from the thirteenth century to the late twentieth century and constitutes an attempt to come to terms with the power of the national idea through a historically informed critique.

This volume examines how national identity has competed with alternative, more personal forms of belonging — such as Roman Catholicism, Judaism and Nonconformism — as well looking at femininity in relation to the state. Contemporary British society's capacity to create outsiders is discussed and the introductory essay shows how this may shape our misunderstanding of earlier phases of national development.