Media: hardcover - 352 pages
Author: J. Froude
Year: 1886

Note: the front cover of this book is detached and there is some damage to the title page. However because of the fascinating content it is offered at a low price as is (good condition copies of this book often sell for $100 or more)

James Anthony Froude (1818–1894) was one of the foremost historians in Victorian England, though he was often controversial and opinionated.

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.