Imperial Boredom offers a radical reconsideration of the British Empire during its heyday in the nineteenth century. Challenging the long-established view that that the Empire was about adventure and excitement, Auerbach draws on personal accounts to argue that boredom was central to the experience of Empire.
Focusing on the Great Exhibition of 1851, this collection of essays explores the impact of colonial and foreign participation on the event held in London's Crystal Palace. Contributors analyze exhibits, publications, and the experiences of officials and visitors, highlighting the Exhibition's role in fostering imperial and global connections. The essays provide insights into how the event shaped relationships between England and its colonies, while addressing themes of nationalism and internationalism, as well as the interplay of domestic and foreign issues.