Revisionist history of the British Empire that is as devastating as it is convincing.

Review of Legacy of Violence: A HISTORY OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE By Caroline Elkins

The traditional narrative about the British Empire is that it was largely benevolent, bringing institutions, the rule of law, and even civilization to child-like black and brown peoples. “The White Man’s Burden.” There is a pompous solemnity to British imperialists in their self-satisfaction, much as Americans like to imagine their republic as a “city o…