"Imperial cities" explores the influence of imperialism in the landscapes of modern European cities. Many still display unmistakable signs of their imperial past, not only in their architecture and monuments, but also in the ways in which their identities are constructed by their inhabitants and by international tourists. The 15 essays in this book explore the influence of imperialism in a range of urban centres, including London, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Marseilles, Glasgow and Seville. The first part on "imperial landscapes" is devoted to large-scale architectural schemes and monuments, including the Queen Victoria Memorial in London and the Vittoriano in Rome. In the second part, the focus is on imperial display throughout the city, from spectacular exhibitions and ceremonies, to more private displays of empire in suburban gardens. The final part considers the changing cultural and political identities in the imperial city, looking particularly at nationalism, masculinity and anti-imperialism. This text aims to make a distinctive contribution to urban studies and imperial history.
It should be important for students and teachers of history, geography, architecture, art history, sociology and cultural studies, as well as those interested in understanding the modern European city.