Between the Waves: A Rich New History of Britain's Relationship with Europe

Explore the definitive and tumultuous history of Britain’s relationship with Europe in this lively, sweeping account by acclaimed writer Tom McTague. Chronicling over seven decades of clashing ideals, this book illuminates the pivotal events and personalities that shaped the nation's journey from joining the Common Market in 1973 to exiting the European Union decades later.

• Longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction.
• Named a Book of the Year in The Times, TLS, and Prospect.
• Chronicles the battle of ideas, events, and personalities defining Britain's European engagement.
• Examines conflicts between leading 20th-century politicians and lesser-known actors, including Eurosceptic student radicals, Cold Warriors, and political strategists.
• Raises fundamental questions about British identity: "who are we?"

• Author: Tom McTague
• Binding: Paperback
• Publisher: Picador
• Publication Date: June 11, 2026
• Language: English
• Print Length: 560 pages
• ISBN-10: 1529083125
• ISBN-13: 978-1529083125
• Dimensions: 13.6 x 3.5 x 20 cm
• Weight: 370 g
• Edition: Main Market
• Reading Age: 18 years and up

This authoritative political history offers a rich and incisive look at the forces that pulled at Britain’s public imagination, providing a riveting narrative for readers interested in modern World History.