
Science in the Service of Empire
Joseph Banks, the British State and the Uses of Science in the Age of Revolution
John Gascoigne(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 17. February 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-521-18136-5 (ISBN)
Description
Joseph Banks is one of the most significant figures of the English Enlightenment. This book places his work in promoting 'imperial science', in the context of the consolidation of the British State during a time of extraordinary upheaval. The American, French and Industrial Revolutions unleashed intense and dramatic change, placing growing pressure on the British state and increasing its need for expert advice on scientific matters. This was largely provided by Banks, who used his personal networks and systems of patronage to integrate scientific concerns with the complex machinery of government. In this book, originally published in 1998, Gascoigne skilfully draws out the rich detail of Banks' life within the broader political framework, and shows how imperial concerns prompted interest in the possible uses of science for economic and strategic gain. This is an important examination of the British State during a time of change and upheaval.
Reviews / Votes
Review of the hardback: '... richly detailed. As an insight into the struggles between free trade and protectionism, and into the colonial mentality ... It will find an appreciative audience among students of the British enlightenment.' Michael Cathcart, Australian Book ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
489 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-18136-5 (9780521181365)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

John Gascoigne
Science in the Service of Empire
Joseph Banks, the British State and the Uses of Science in the Age of Revolution
Book
06/1998
Cambridge University Press
€55.80
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition

John Gascoigne
Science in the Service of Empire
Joseph Banks, the British State and the Uses of Science in the Age of Revolution
Book
06/1998
Cambridge University Press
€55.80
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Content
1. An expanding state; 2. The Royal Society and the emergence of science as an instrument of state policy; 3. The levers of power; 4. Neo-mercantilism and the landed interest; 5. Science in the service of empire; 6. Science in the service of the Republic of Letters; 7. The expansion of empire; Epilogue.