Spanning two millennia from the Roman invasion in 43 A.D. to 1990 and including more than 4,00 incisive articles, The Columbia Companion to British History is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and accessible one-volume reference to the vast spectrum of British history. Six leading historians, recognized experts in their fields, have compiled this monumental volume which encompasses the historical experiences of the people of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, both at home and abroad. The book is an unparalleled resource for accurate information on the central strands of political, economic, social, religious, cultural, military, and women's history in the United Kingdom. In addition to a complete selection of articles on people, places, events, and institutions, The Columbia Companion to British History includes the best available coverage of major social movements and cultural concepts in their British contexts. Readers will find clear descriptions of por wallopers and teddy boys and concise explanations of such complex theoretical ideas as class structure and moral economy. This unique reference contains chronologies of major events in British history and genealogies of its monarchs and prime ministers. Nine detailed historical maps depict tribal Britain prior to Roman conquest, various stages of Britain's colonial empire from the eighteenth century to 1930, and other critical eras in the nation's geographic past. Extensive cross referencing ensures that relevant topics can be easily pursued. The Columbia Companion to British History is an indispensable source of information for historians and general readers alike. For non-British readers seeking back round on nuclear energy or capital punishment in Britain, on the dates and casualties, in the Zulu War, or simply on the origins of the term bluestockings, this is the most efficient route to definitive answers.