From Strangers to Citizens

From Strangers to Citizens by Randolph Vigne, published by Sussex Academic Press in 2001, is a comprehensive examination of the immigrant experience in Britain and its colonies between 1550 and 1750. This 592-page book, written in English, delves into the lives of tens of thousands of immigrants, many of whom were religious refugees fleeing persecution. Through a series of essays, the work explores the integration of these individuals into British society, highlighting their contributions across various fields such as art, scholarship, and politics.

Readers will find a range of discussions that cover both general trends in immigrant integration and specific case studies of individual immigrants. The book addresses popular attitudes and government policies toward newcomers, as well as the internal dynamics and self-sufficiency structures within immigrant communities. By examining the diverse experiences of groups such as the Huguenots and the broader implications of immigration in North America and Ireland, this edition provides a detailed look at the complexities of ethnic relations and the historical context of emigration and immigration during this period.