Ghosts of Empire: Book Review

The other day, the Wall Street Journal had a fascinating book review on Kwasi Kwarteng's Ghosts of Empire.

Since my studies in international power politics at Oxford, I've had a growing fascination with the historical study of imperialism and the rise and fall of Empires, especially that of Britain.

Does imperialism and consequential colonialism help those civilizations? does it contribute to human happiness by either material or philosophical means?

What strikes me as alluring is that Kwarteng seems to approach the subject from what seems a relatively unbiased perspective. Almost as if he is trying to approach the subject from a fresh perspective, untainted by the opinions on either side of the controversy that have been debated for decades. He seems to address evenly both the downsides as well as benefits of imperialism.

One reason why imperialism always fascinates me is that America is a dying empire. What are we in danger of becoming? Are our politicians handling the current situations in a way that will help or harm the survival of our empire?

Well, I think I may add this book to my summer reading list. And the Forsyte Saga. Watching the miniseries with Holly right now - I've been told for a while I'd love it. It has Ioan Griffudd and Damien Lewis in it, so I like it already!

Party with Pimm's

Have you ever had Pimm's No.1 liquor? I was first introduced to it when living in Oxford almost 4 years ago. The summer of 2007 was full of fun park outings, British attempts at "American" barbeques and lazy punting voyages down the River Isis. I took the picture to the left when we were crossing under Magdalen Bridge. One thing you learn about the British is that no social event occurs without an alcoholic libation of some sort. In the summer sunshine, we often deferred the typical pub ale in favor of Pimm's for its crisp and refreshing qualities.

I've forgotten about Pimm's until I stumbled upon it at work today. So many memories rushed to my mind, inspiring me to pick up a bottle to open the summer of 2011 with. It just goes to show how influential food or beverages can be in cataloguing the very sensations we identify with personal memories or experiences.

Pimm's can be difficult to find if you aren't living near a more metropolitan area, but it never hurts to ask your local vendor if they can add it to their summer inventory.

Here are a few ideas of how to celebrate your summer this year in classic British style:

When you throw a party or barbeque, don't forget bunting! It instantly creates an added sense of festivity that is unique to the warmer months of the year. Bunting is really easy to make out of quilting squares and pinking shears. Plus, you can find some really fun and brilliant patterns or colors at your local craft or quilting stores. Simply create a triangular template and cut the desired number of fabric flags. Sew each of the flags onto a ribbon, leaving 3 to 5 cm between each flag. Iron the flags, hang, and voila! Instant party atmosphere!

Next on the party to-do list. Serve a pitcher of Pimm's Original.

Pimm's Original

Mix 1 part Pimm's No. 1

3 parts chilled lemonade

Add mint, cucumber, orange and strawberry

Pull out the croquet or badmitton set, encourage the ladies to wear floppy sun hats, fire up the barbie and you've got yourself a great summer fling! Enjoy! Love, L

Glitter and the Gold

An author has always held my captivated audience when describing scenes of aristocratic elegance at the turn of the century. Depictions of society's pomp and tradition, the scintillating jewels and satin gowns women displayed at evening balls, the glimpses of wit and intellect from within the rigid mores of conversation, all invoke a sense of modern romanticism in me. Balsan's autobiographical account growing up within this cultural framework is far from the monotonous recitations of her social soirees that one would expect. Rather, it is a unique unveiling of an independent woman's thoughts, passions and innermost desires often suppressed at the time by social expectations. It's a great dichotomy between the concepts of American Democracy and European Plutocracy, the lingering Victorian conservatism versus the emerging modernism of a new century, and presents a unique vantage of the evolving role of women in Great Britain and America at the time.

The dwindling prominence of Nouveau Riche families and the rise of the middle class in our contemporary society has perhaps encouraged a negative opinion of those in history who "monopolized the economy" of the day and hindered the rise of the average American citizen, while the Vanderbilts and Carnegies built grand estates on Fifth Avenue. I am of the opposite opinion, not because of the romantic images that come to mind, but because of the depth of character we can learn from their personal lives. There are many different lessons that can be taken from their example; entrepreneurship or philanthropy are some of the most recognizable, but in reading Balsan's personal memoirs I come away with more personal illustrations of character.

As a young girl, her involuntary marriage to the Duke of Marlborough is instructive of the importance of virtues such as love, respect and trust in relationships, rather than the convenience of money. The sympathy one feels for her descriptions of the limitations of women at the time imbue a sense of gratitude for the freedom and opportunities we are blessed with today such as the right to vote, the ability to embark on a career or gain an education. Consuelo's life stories highlight the beauty and social benefit of inculcating personal virtues such as perseverance, patience, respect, integrity, selflessness, sincerity, tact and continued intellectual growth. She presents herself honestly and humbly, describing both her achievements and downfalls in life. Consuelo Balsan is a remarkable woman and most worthy of emulation.

If you ever get a chance to travel to England, I would highly suggest visiting Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. As the Marlborough family palace, Consuelo played a vital role in its history, which is where my intrigue with this American heiress began. Its a gorgeous structure with beautiful rooms, a rich history, and acres of Capability Brown's landscape parkland to explore - a full day's entertainment!