Bernard Alford reviews the changing role, and diminishing influence, of Britain within the international economy across the century that saw the rise and fall of Britains empire. He explores the relationship between empire and economy; looks at economic performance against economic policy; and compares Britain; through and beyond the Thatcher years; with her European partners, America and Japan. In assessing whether Britains economic decline has been absolute or merely relative, he also illuminates the broader history of the world economy itself.