Oceana, or, England and her Colonies

Eminent Victorian historian reflects on the British Empire in the light of travels in South Africa and Australasia in 1886.

A bestseller in 1886, Froude's observations on his travels in South Africa and Australasia proved prophetic. He foresaw the decline of Britain as a world power if the then current moves towards independence of the colonies continued, as Britain would need the successful British settlers to reinvigorate herself.James Anthony Froude (1818–1894) was one of the foremost historians in Victorian England, though he was often controversial and opinionated, especially towards Catholicism. His 1884 biography of Thomas Carlyle (which will also be reissued in this series), with its emphasis on Carlyle's weaknesses as well as his brilliance, caused lasting offence to many. 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.