Empire Islands

Focusing on the castaway genre in English literature, this book explores its connection to the sociopsychology of the British Empire. Weaver-Hightower argues that castaway stories helped readers rationalize imperialism, with islands serving as key settings for both colonial and postcolonial narratives. Through analyses of works from Thomas More to George Lamming, the book examines themes like cannibalism and imperial aggression. It concludes with a look at contemporary film and U.S. neoimperialism, revealing how island narratives continue to justify colonial ideologies.