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A History of Modern Britain
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Review
"'Superb, colourful, outspoken, fresh and richly entertaining. Don't miss' The Times 'Lively, full of rich anecdotes and sparkling pen portraits. He has the rare gift of being able to explain complex issues in a few crisp sentences' Sunday Telegraph"
Book Description
'Andrew...has a real talent for digging out the little anecdotes that bring history to life'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
80 of 82 people found the following review helpful
By Rob Sawyer
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I originally bought this book after hearing about the TV programme and reading the reviews on here and also because I thought it would be a good education for me.
As I neared the end of the book I re-read the reviews here and was somewhat surprised to see some 1 and 2 star reviews, although on reading them I did agree with some of their content.
Overall the book as far as what I hoped to get out of it was 5 stars. Very readable and a great review of politics from 1945 until 2006.
However I do have some comments about it. I didn't quite understand the infrequent dips into non-political issues e.g. fashion in the 1960s. Although I can understand that this was an important backdrop to the political situation (more liberal rules etc) the 'dipping' was a little inconsistent, almost as if either Andrew Marr or the publisher had said 'Nice book can you do a few non-political bits please?'. I did enjoy the 'dips' but wonder whether the book would be better without them, or with more of them? On balance they could probably have been worked in within the theme of the politics hence my title for my review - the book shoudl be A Political History of Modern Britain.
I was also a bit disappointed that more detail was not given to decimalisation (a couple of lines) which as an 11 year old I remember very clearly - surely that was a political hot potato worthy of more discussion?
As for the reviewer who complained it was like A-level History, well I didn't do that and for me the depth of the writing was enough, but I accept that perhaps the book is very superficial, though I have to say highly enjoyable.
These comments would not have made me drop a star in my rating, but the appalling typos I am afraid do, so 4 not 5.
Well worth reading though despite my tiny reservations.
As I neared the end of the book I re-read the reviews here and was somewhat surprised to see some 1 and 2 star reviews, although on reading them I did agree with some of their content.
Overall the book as far as what I hoped to get out of it was 5 stars. Very readable and a great review of politics from 1945 until 2006.
However I do have some comments about it. I didn't quite understand the infrequent dips into non-political issues e.g. fashion in the 1960s. Although I can understand that this was an important backdrop to the political situation (more liberal rules etc) the 'dipping' was a little inconsistent, almost as if either Andrew Marr or the publisher had said 'Nice book can you do a few non-political bits please?'. I did enjoy the 'dips' but wonder whether the book would be better without them, or with more of them? On balance they could probably have been worked in within the theme of the politics hence my title for my review - the book shoudl be A Political History of Modern Britain.
I was also a bit disappointed that more detail was not given to decimalisation (a couple of lines) which as an 11 year old I remember very clearly - surely that was a political hot potato worthy of more discussion?
As for the reviewer who complained it was like A-level History, well I didn't do that and for me the depth of the writing was enough, but I accept that perhaps the book is very superficial, though I have to say highly enjoyable.
These comments would not have made me drop a star in my rating, but the appalling typos I am afraid do, so 4 not 5.
Well worth reading though despite my tiny reservations.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
I liked this book, and as an overview of the post war to modern day period, it's pretty acceptable but I was surprised at how much of his comments/narrative were seemingly only evidenced by politician's own memoirs. Not greatly partisan sources!! I was also annoyed by the sheer volume of typos - Had someone shot the editor? Perhaps after this performance they should have! I also found his forays into pop music and fashion quaintly embarrassing! My final comment, though not necessarily a criticism was how much more interesting and accurate (for me) his comments and observations etc appeared to be from 79 onwards, which I assume was when he became more closely involved with events through his journalism.
250 of 270 people found the following review helpful
By R. B. Moore
Format:Hardcover
This is easy to read, general history for the average person in the street like me who has a broad interest in the life of the country but who hasn't got the background to read the "proper" histories. I love this because I can dip in and out, or I can read it in linear chunks. I love the style which is chatty and friendly. And the period interests me because it is really before I was around, so I see the echoes of it but never experienced these things for myself. A lot changed in Britain post war, and I didn't really appreciated how much until I read this.
I can't really comment on the absolute accuracy, and I'm sure it isn't definitive, but it is approachable. It's like a Bryson book of science rather than a Hawking, but with history.
It's quite bit and heavy in hardbook though, but if that is my principle complaint then take this as an unqualified recommendation!
I can't really comment on the absolute accuracy, and I'm sure it isn't definitive, but it is approachable. It's like a Bryson book of science rather than a Hawking, but with history.
It's quite bit and heavy in hardbook though, but if that is my principle complaint then take this as an unqualified recommendation!
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most enjoyable
Mr Marr manages to make intricate and complicated situations accessible - clearly he has his biases, but as a straightforward, basic text covering the genesis and development of so... Read more
Published 9 days ago by helenm
5.0 out of 5 stars
another excellent book.
Andrew Marr has no equal when it comes to presenting history in and interesting way. I really enjoyed this book about how modern Britain developed from the Victorian era. Read more
Published 1 month ago by dotmac
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great reading!
I discovered Andrew Marr through his TV documentary on the "History of the Wordl". This book was a great way to become more familiar with modern British history. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Phil
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping and interesting!
I'm in the process of reading this, I find it really great along side my A level history of modern britain course that I'm studying. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Emma
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent purchase
Bought this for my son to compliment a later Andrew Marr book which he had also received as a present- he has read and thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recomend it
Published 3 months ago by oscar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read!
Super fast delivery of affordable goods well packaged and as advertised. 100% satisfied. The seller is a credit to Amazon
Published 3 months ago by P. R. GRAHAM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than I expected
I am not an Andrew Marr fan when he is on television so I was pleasantly surprised reading this. It is well written and easy to follow while evoking the spirit of the times and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by GeeMJ
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
In a nutshell an very good review of modern britans history. Everything you thought to understand but couldn't really without all the perspectives explained!
Published 4 months ago by Calesvaer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting read
Covers a lot of material quickly but keeps it interesting. Some of the sections are of interest to only some people I would imagine, but in the main, well worth a read -... Read more
Published 5 months ago by B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Andrew Marr - History of Great Britain
This book is proving to be a very interesting review of the history of Great Britain and covering a most important period of history since the second world war.
Published 6 months ago by Halliana
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