First published in 1905, this beautifully written narrative sets out the history of Britain in chronological order from the Romans to the death of Queen Victoria.Written specifically for children, this centenary edition with its short chapters, simple words, enthralling character descriptions and magnificent paintings from the Palace of Westminster, presents history as a series of vivid stories that will capture the imagination of adults and children alike.
Our Island Story
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Review
"Our Island Story is...cutting edge. With its brave mix of truth and myth, it is impeccably postmodern." --The Economist, 20 August 2005
Book Description
A new edition of a classic work, first published in 1905. 'It made me think history was more exciting than fiction' - Antonia Fraser
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
Once upon a time there was a giant called Neptune. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Once upon a time there was a giant called Neptune. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
83 of 85 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book at Christmas for my nine year old and was pleased to find that my eleven year old was captivated by it too. We enjoy reading books out loud as a family and this book makes a great read for sharing. Don't expect it to 'tie-in' with the random topic based school history curriculum, this book is a consecutive account that unashamedly includes an element of myth and magic.I don't think that my children had realised that a clear understanding of the English/ British succession was within their intellectual grasp before hearing this engaging narrative.Furthermore all those Edwards,Henrys and the rest now have a relevance in their minds that was not there before. My children can now see a clear causal link between that subject called 'history' and that thing called 'politics'. Sometimes it takes an exciting story to awaken knowledge and bring it to life. The book covers a very broad sweep of British history and I would recommend it for families to share.
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Civitas have done this nation a great service in reprinting this beautifully written history of Britain. At a time when even Gordon Brown is questioning the very meaning of 'Britishness', this enchanting book provides us with a tale of a nation we should all be proud of.
It is the perfect antidote to the lifeless, fragmented history that most children receive today. With its spledid narrative and enticing characters, 'Our Island Story' should be a big hit with children and parents alike.
It is the perfect antidote to the lifeless, fragmented history that most children receive today. With its spledid narrative and enticing characters, 'Our Island Story' should be a big hit with children and parents alike.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fierce struggle and high intrigue, magic and poisoned daggers, and a queen who defied the norm...
12 April 2007
By Tabby
Format:Paperback
It looks more like a history book than anything else, but as soon as I started reading "Our Island Story", I was fascinated. Combining English history with folklore and fairytales, and with a narrative voice so homely that you immediately envision biscuits and milk by a quaint fireplace, this book is charming from the beginning.
As a young girl raised on Hans Christian Anderson and The Brothers Grimm, I've come to expect a lot from my fairy-tales, and the accounts of Merlin and Arthur, Boadicea, and the Civil War are dramatic and moving, and it infuses the characters and dates taught in schools with feelings and emotions, provides history with a sense of humanity. And the pictures - vibrant and engaging - provided an entertaining accompaniment. I'm sixteen and I'm in love with this book. The little children I babysit (7 and 9) were as interested when I read them an excerpt the other day. What more recommendation does it need?!
As a young girl raised on Hans Christian Anderson and The Brothers Grimm, I've come to expect a lot from my fairy-tales, and the accounts of Merlin and Arthur, Boadicea, and the Civil War are dramatic and moving, and it infuses the characters and dates taught in schools with feelings and emotions, provides history with a sense of humanity. And the pictures - vibrant and engaging - provided an entertaining accompaniment. I'm sixteen and I'm in love with this book. The little children I babysit (7 and 9) were as interested when I read them an excerpt the other day. What more recommendation does it need?!
91 of 95 people found the following review helpful
By Blake Morley
Format:Hardcover
'In this book you will find the story of the people of Britain', writes the author. She continues: 'The story tells how they grew to be a great people, till the little green island set in the lonely sea was no longer large enough to contain them.'
This is big, bold sweeping history, at once charmingly simple and accessible for children and sufficiently courteous and informative for adults. HE Marshall guides us through from the earliest myths about Albion and Brutus through to the death of Queen Victoria, taking in wars and rebellions, tyrants and outlaws, treachery and love, the evolution of our liberal democracy and the deaths of those who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today. With a deftness of tone that most writers can only dream of, Marshall's prose is equal to the challenge of expressing tenderness for the Princes in the Tower, and pride for Boadicea - 'the Romans', she points out, 'did not understand that many of the women of Britain were as brave and as wise as the men, and quite as difficult to conquer.' It is unashamedly proud without ever sounding arrogant. We learn how all sorts of great moments or phrases have passed into our folklore and idiom - such as 'England expects' - and all is rendered with an impressive sense of chronological cohesion.
Which is of course topical and explains why this glossy centenary edition has been republished. At a time of great anxiety about how poor is the teaching of history in our schools, how it has become fragmentary and partial, this book shows just how history could foster a shared sense of national identity.
... Read more ›13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Jay Morovski
Format:Paperback
Our Island Story is truly exceptional. I remember my grandfather reading me this book when I was younger, and being fascinated by what is truly a great narrative of British history. Now reading it to my friend's children, both they (and I!) feel the same. History is suddenly exciting; even the TV is less attractive!! What is more, this new edition has been supplemented with brilliant illustrations that really brings the book alive in their minds. I can only say, buy it!
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Even if you've already got the hardback edition of Our Island Story, this new paperback version truly is a keepsake worth buying. The publishers have really put the icing on the cake with this edition by taking a series of glorious paintings from the Palace of Westminster to illustrate H.E Marshall's magical retelling of history. These surprisingly sharp and colourful reproductions will undoubtedly delight children and adults alike with their sumptuous detail.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
This book is meant for children and I read it to my grand daughter. However I realised my own knowledge of history needed revising so I bought myself a paper back copy for my own... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Valerie M Everitt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Ideal for my grandson - I even read it too!
A good history book for children.
Definitely worth it and not a bad price
A good history book for children.
Definitely worth it and not a bad price
Published 1 month ago by grief
5.0 out of 5 stars
Our Island Story. A wonderful book.
I was a teacher before I retired and used this book as a valuable resource for years four and five. It really brought history to life and the children loved it. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Vanessa
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good and helpful book
I bought the book for my 7 year old son who's mad about history! the book is good and informative. My son started reading the book but strugled later with the understanding. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Sue
5.0 out of 5 stars
review
Well known book, gave it to an overseas visitor on her first trip to UK and she has loved it because it helped her make sense of visits to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Aristotle's Sister
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great to learn about British History for adults and children
I have the Kindle edition and am reading it to my 7 year old home educated son who is passionate about British history. He loves it. Read more
Published 16 months ago by JR_Devon
5.0 out of 5 stars
A family heirloom
Buy this book in hardback for god children, nieces nephews etc ! It's lovey ! Short well written stories about different kings and queens - makes up for any parental lack of... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Kindleaddict
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect history for young people
Brilliant book. I was taught this as my history at school and it gave me a thirst for history that has lasted a lifetime. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mr. J. D. Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
Be clear: this book is history as it used to be taught, with a substantial portion of legend woven into key events. My son is un-phased by this. Read more
Published 21 months ago by JCCSussex
5.0 out of 5 stars
Our Island Story
I bought Our Island Story for my grandchildren to give them an understanding of the history of Britain. Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2011 by Rick
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