Examines the political power relations between the three kingdoms and the continent and explores the story of their development, bringing into play factors such as commercial links, migration of groups, the transmission and adoption of religious beliefs, political ideas, technological innovations and artistic styles. The book illustrates how, during the 1500-1780 era, Britain stepped into a more active role in the traffic of ideas and styles as well as goods. It will comparatively evaluate a range of key institutions in Britain - constitutional, administrative, religious, economical and social - with those of its European counterparts.

Ralph Houlbrooke is Professor of Early Modern British History at the University of Reading, UK.