HISTORIAN Lawrence James likes big subjects.

His previous work includes a volume on the rise and fall of the British Empire, and here he looks at the British at war.

Not only is this a massive theme, but James's approach is broad-based. This is not solely, or even primarily, a book about military tactics or strategy, for the author is just as concerned about war's social effects.

The former York University student has written about the impact of war, in all its forms, on the people of the British Isles. In the early chapters they are generally victims of invaders such as the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans.

Later the British appear as expansionists and conquerors of others, having staved off the odd invasion attempt by the the Spanish and French.

James fills his pages with a series of episodes, ranging from mishaps during mediaeval sieges to the mixed reactions to the relatively peaceful invasion of Britain by GIs during the Second World War.

It is a tribute to his skill that they do not appear artificially linked or arbitrarily chosen - but don't expect too many detailed descriptions of British battles or assessments of generals' strategies.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, April 03, 2002