England's sense of national identity (a current obsession in Europe, in spite of our alleged internationalism) has suffered various crises since the second World War. The main thesis of this book is that with the very concept of the "United Kingdom" currently under threat from devolution, England needs to reinvent itself anew. The partial loss of Scotland has touched on sensitive nerves, though, as Heffer points out, Scotland for centuries was an enemy before she was "absorbed". This is a lively and stimulating book, but it is rather too short for the many issues it raises and remains an extended essay or tract. Simon Heffer might think some time of fleshing it out into a full-length study, with the requisite socio-historical documentation and notes.