Fight or Flight

By Martin Thomas,

Book cover of Fight or Flight: Britain, France, and their Roads from Empire

Book description

Although shattered by war, in 1945 Britain and France still controlled the world's two largest colonial empires, with imperial territories stretched over four continents. And they appeared determined to keep them: the roll-call of British and French politicians, soldiers, settlers and writers who promised in word and print at this…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Fight or Flight as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

As part of an international project comparing imperial retreat and the wars of decolonization (or national liberation), I had to do extensive reading in this growing field.

Although there have been some important works, including a recent Pulitzer Prize winner, Martin Thomas’s book was one of the first and remains one of the best. The book’s title summarizes the choice facing post-World War 2 British and French leaders: did they attempt to defend colonial rule or abandon their overseas empires?

In both countries, the overseas colonies were seen as essential both economically and for national prestige. With impressive research and…

If you love Fight or Flight...

Ad

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS By Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Want books like Fight or Flight?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Fight or Flight.

Browse books like Fight or Flight

Book cover of Citizenship Between Empire and Nation: Remaking France and French Africa, 1945-1960
Book cover of The Blood of the Colony: Wine and the Rise and Fall of French Algeria
Book cover of Provincializing Europe: Postcolonial Thought and Historical Difference

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,608

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in decolonization, France, and the Cold War?

Decolonization 17 books
France 953 books
The Cold War 265 books