A History of Modern Britain
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Product Description
Review
Insightful views on political visions, the Cold War, the Thatcher years, comedy and cars, from one of the brightest stars on the British political scene. A must-have book. --Choice magazine
Guardian
'I love his wit, his anecdotes and his old hack's shop talk. Why wasn't I taught politics like this?'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 66 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.
11 of 11 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.
245 of 265 people found the following review helpful
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliantly detailed.
Absolutely brilliant book that accompanies the A-level 1951-2007 British history course. Has been really useful for opinions and context. Read more
Published 1 month ago by amy
fun but it is history?
Andrew Marr's book is based on a premise which is only half true. The first half, that the way of life in the UK had changed dramatically in the fifty years since the end of the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jim Jim
Accessible history
A really great book for catching up with the 20th century. Marr's style doesn't bombard you with excessive names and dates. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Muzztastic
Very useful for students!
I bought this to help aid me in my History A levels (A2s) since we were studying Modern Britain. It is much better than reading the book, as the book takes a lot of time and... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Pillowuyen
A History of an Opinion
I admit that I bought it because it was on my A-Level History booklist and not because I actually wanted it; but in saying that, I actually surprised myself with how much I enjoyed... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Liv
How important to learn the history in late 1800 and early 1900.
Product and delivery services are excellent beyond my expectation. I believe it is critical time to learn the history how people in the world lived in 1800 - 1950. Thanks.
Published 7 months ago by Shinzaburo Kaji
Great Romp
A great romp through post war britain. Get's shakier and duller towards the end - maybe it's too familiar? - but the post war stuff's fascinating.
Published 8 months ago by Frootle
Just what I needed
I bought this book for my son who is doing A level history. It was the cheapest I found, arrived quickly and in very good condition. He is actually enjoying reading it too!
Published 8 months ago by Rugbymum
Book review
The Andrew Marr book arrived in time for a birthday present and as usual in excellent condition. The birthday boy was delighted with it.
Published 11 months ago by Mrs. M. Hummerston
It's History Lite but it's Still Fun
This is a joint review together with Marr's 'The Making of Modern Britain', the companion volume which deals with the history of the UK up to VE Day. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Free Radical
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