The scanty early British historiography of the Habsburg Monarchy refl ected Britain’s liberal self-image and imperial interests. Developing academic study between the wars addressed the Monarchy international role and nationality questions. Since 1945 it has diversifi ed to include signifi cant work on the early modern period, formerly neglected, and attention to cultural history. The original impulse is still to be seen, however, in interest in themes of break-up and the \Monarchy seen as a whole. Recent work on the nature of empire, if not primarily directed at the Monarchy, may merit attention in current reassessments of its fortunes,