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The History Boys [Paperback]

Alan Bennett (Author)

4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)

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Book Description

Publication Date: 17 Jun 2004 | ISBN-10: 0571224644 | ISBN-13: 978-0571224647 | Edition: 1st

An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results; a history teacher who thinks he's a fool.

In Alan Bennett's new play, staff room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose.

The History Boys premiered at the National in May 2004.

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In Alan Bennett's new play, staff room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose.

The History Boys premiered at the National in May 2004.

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Product details

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Faber and Faber; 1st edition (17 Jun 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0571224644
ISBN-13: 978-0571224647
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 1 x 19.8 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Performing Arts > Musicals
- #12 in Books > Fiction > Poetry & Drama > Drama
- #44 in Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism

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Product Description

Review

"Nothing could diminish the incendiary achievement of this subtle, deep-wrought and immensely funny play about the value and meaning of education . . . In short, a superb, life-enhancing play." --"The Guardian"

"Brilliantly funny . . . "The History Boys" is moving, disquieting: one follows it with a heart brimful . . . His finest work in decades." --"Financial Times"

Book Description

The hilarious comedy following a class of '80s schoolkids and their teachers, from the much-loved author of Untold Stories. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover

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Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 74 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The History Boys - applause all round 2 Mar 2005

By "rozzy_babes"

Format:Paperback

The latest play from Alan Bennet proves both funny, thought-proking and currently hugely successful at the NT. The characters are all beautifully created and lovable, from the confused homosexual youth Posner to the stressed, icy Headmaster, obsessed with league tables and results. The witty one liners and amusing comments,especially from Mrs Lintott, contribute to an extremely funny backdrop to a deeply serious play, where the issues of the purpose of education, homosexuality and the inevitable competition of youth are addressed and debated. The "History Boys" themselves successfully represent the thousands of hopeful Oxbridge candidates each year, all of them experiencing the highs and the lows of studying and the joy of learning, making this play a timeless jem.
The teacher Hector, whom Richard Griffiths is currently portraying with great conviction at the NT, is intellectually brilliant and extremely impressive, and yet, he is just a fallible human being with temptations and desires that finally get the better of him. This point is so tragic and powerful it evokes great sympathy from the reader and adds to the effectiveness of the play.
A thoroughly enjoyable play to light up both the stage and the mind. It is one of the rare plays that you feel you can watch time and time again, learning something new each time.

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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Faithful Audio Production 7 April 2006

By Digger Dave

Format:Audio CD

I saw The History Boys on their Australian tour and since it was sold out and I could not see it again I had to buy this audio version to satisfy my desire.
I'm not sure that all of the magic of the stage production is able to carry through to an audio play, but it is good listen anyway.
It is an incredibly witty piece of entertainment, thoroughly enjoyable, and reminded me so much of my own school memories of the all boys school I went to. The struggle between the two intelligent school teachers - Irwin and Hector - over the souls of the boys they teach could perhaps appear unlikely to those who missed out on having such teachers, but it reflects my experience as well. Bennett wavers (or seems to) between taking sides in their not unimportant dispute, but (or therefore?) is good enough of a writer or human being not to load the dice in the favour of one over the other.
More superficially: Samuel Barnett (my favourite) sings and acts wonderfully, all the boys are mischievously fun, and the cast is all round excellent.

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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning writing, a stellar cast, Alan Bennett at his best 28 May 2006

By G. Riley

Format:Audio CD

I have seen the History Boys twice at the National Theatre, the first time with the cast that appears on this BBC CD recording. Bennett has produced a gem of a play, dark in places of course but full of light and shade especially when the ensemble cast are fully in their stride. The musical interludes are a joy and the CD version gives full rein to the superb Richard Griffiths. One can only really appreciate this play in full by experiencing the live version on stage. But for fans of Bennett, this beautifully crafted BBC radio production is one that will be taken from the CD rack on a regular basis for an evening's listening. Thoroughly recommended.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars It was for Uni

I really enjoyed reading this play.
The characters of Hector and Iwrin had very different teaching styles anf it was interesting seeing how the students coped with it.

Published 12 days ago by Sam

5.0 out of 5 stars English Gcse

Great book to use as a reference while my daughter doing her Gcse exams, very useful and a great aid.

Published 16 days ago by Sally J. Davies

5.0 out of 5 stars Teenagers

This book surprised me because I did not know what to expect. I think it is a genuine insight into teenage boys, the behaviour and especially their language. Read more

Published 1 month ago by K. Steele

5.0 out of 5 stars Super duper!

No problems. Everything was fine, nothing else to say as it was very smooth and description was good and accurate. It also arrived very fast which was great!

Published 1 month ago by Adam Hiscocks

4.0 out of 5 stars the history boys

bought for my son for college work suppose he enjoyed it although it was a rather forced read but ok

Published 1 month ago by anneridies

5.0 out of 5 stars Bennett at his best.

In the light of current public concern about sexual abuse of minors, Alan Bennett was recently asked to consider a rewrite of this play, on the grounds that he appeared to condone... Read more

Published 2 months ago by Les FB

5.0 out of 5 stars Goood

Ordered this last minute as I needed it and lost my other copy, was cheap and cheerful! Was in a very good condition and was delivered in a good time.

Published 2 months ago by DogLover11

5.0 out of 5 stars reading for a level

Having to read for a level so still to form an opinion but enjoying what I have read in the book so far

Published 3 months ago by tlc

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read...

This has proved to be up to Alan Bennett's usual standard. A great book into which to dip and reread from time to time...

Published 4 months ago by Noel Speers

5.0 out of 5 stars Best comedy

I love this book, I could read it I've over and over again, Alan Bennett is an incredible writer, I want to read more of his plays and books

Published 4 months ago by Andysamleo

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