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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 52 people found the following review helpful
You may be familiar with Nic Crane's earlier geographical tours of the UK, but Britannia is much more about history than it is about geography or cartography. The scenery is superb (the weather is awful as usual); Nic's umbrella and bicycle still carry him a staggering distance (some 5000 miles), but this time the emphasis is on the historical moment of the original book, rather than the way the landscape has changed since then.
The theme is that William Camden's book Britannia of 1586 was a remarkable achievement for the Elizabethan era. The entire British Isles was described in great detail offering a near-encyclopaedic tour of the whole country in a single book. It was particularly unusual in that Britannia included Scotland and Ireland when they were barely under British control -- this was one of the turning points of hsitory, when constituant countries of the British Isles came together, and that's a continuing theme of the three-part series.
The first episode covers all of England and Wales, including Cornwall, while the second part goes to Scotland (it includes panning for gold and a meeting with a modern witch), and the final part finishes in Ireland -- revealing a land which was near-impossible for Elizabeth I to govern, full of ravening beasts and unruly locals.
Each programme runs to 60 minutes which feature Nic striding / wading / cycling or scullign through the landscape, highlighting the most remarkable aspects of each region while giving an unbiased view of its Elizabethan history. There's not too much time to spend in each location, sadly; I got the feeling this could easily have run to six episodes and I wonder how much ended up on the cutting room floor. However, it's still far more informative than most rush-rush 'around the world in 80 wotnots' programmes, and the informed commentary is delivered without the gushing enthusiasm which accompanies most amateur efforts.
Thoroughly enjoyed all three episodes and will happily watch them again.
8/10
The theme is that William Camden's book Britannia of 1586 was a remarkable achievement for the Elizabethan era. The entire British Isles was described in great detail offering a near-encyclopaedic tour of the whole country in a single book. It was particularly unusual in that Britannia included Scotland and Ireland when they were barely under British control -- this was one of the turning points of hsitory, when constituant countries of the British Isles came together, and that's a continuing theme of the three-part series.
The first episode covers all of England and Wales, including Cornwall, while the second part goes to Scotland (it includes panning for gold and a meeting with a modern witch), and the final part finishes in Ireland -- revealing a land which was near-impossible for Elizabeth I to govern, full of ravening beasts and unruly locals.
Each programme runs to 60 minutes which feature Nic striding / wading / cycling or scullign through the landscape, highlighting the most remarkable aspects of each region while giving an unbiased view of its Elizabethan history. There's not too much time to spend in each location, sadly; I got the feeling this could easily have run to six episodes and I wonder how much ended up on the cutting room floor. However, it's still far more informative than most rush-rush 'around the world in 80 wotnots' programmes, and the informed commentary is delivered without the gushing enthusiasm which accompanies most amateur efforts.
Thoroughly enjoyed all three episodes and will happily watch them again.
8/10
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Once again Nicholas Crane provides us with his unique style of travel round Britain. As normal he visits some remote and beautiful places, but following some VERY ancient guides. Some people consider him an acquired taste, but for those who appreciate his personal approach this is a great set of programmes. I don't think many of us will be following in his footsteps, but for armchair travellers this is great fun.
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Two things persuaded me to buy this - I had enjoyed the first series of COAST which features Nicholas Crane and his enthusiast's way of presenting, and I liked the idea of using a historical perspective to view parts of Britain. I was not disappointed. For anyone who enjoys history, Britain's countryside and maps this series is a joy.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
brittania
I liked this very much. If you like Nicholas Crane then this is for you. He gives information on his tour of the four countries of the UK in a clear, informative and engaging way. Read more
Published 14 months ago by nigelclive
so far so good
Haven't watched the whole dvd yet, but I like what I see so far. Nick Crane is good at presenting history.
Published 22 months ago by Qweene of Tarts
Simply wonderful
Television doesn't come better than this; great shots of scenery plus insight into the history and geography of the British Isles in just the right measure to be informative as... Read more
Published on 5 Jan 2010 by J. Hildebrand
Very good ...
Very good, even better had they not had to rush on quite so much, but very well done nevertheless ...
Published on 1 Jun 2009 by C. J. Hunter
A great pleasure
Once again it is Nick Crane with his enthusiasm ("Just look at that!"),
his umbrella and his slightly faded outdoor gear. Read more
his umbrella and his slightly faded outdoor gear. Read more
Published on 17 April 2009 by Volker Knopp
Nicholas Crane's Britania DVD
Nicholas Crane's Britania : EXCELLENT IDEA,BEAUTIFULL LANDSCAPES,EXCELLENT QUALITY !
CONTINUE !!!
Miklos Szabo
CONTINUE !!!
Miklos Szabo
Published on 27 Feb 2009 by Miklos Szabo
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