From Reconstruction to Integration: Britain and Europe Since 1945

In 1945 Europe lay prostrate. It appeared that Britain might inspire a process of reconstruction through integration. But it did not. It was not until 1973 that Britian joined the European Community , and it has often been described since a "semi-detached member". Why did Britain faill to take the lead in Europe? This volume brings together the leading academics in the field to explore this question. It traces the complex and controversial relationship between Britain and a uniting Europe, considering a variety of subjects, from high policy to economics, and from popular culture to science and technology.