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An Utterly Impartial History of Britain
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Product Description
Book Description
A cantankerous history of Britain by one of our most popular humorists
Product Description
Many of us were put off history by the dry and dreary way it was taught at school. Back then 'The Origins of the Industrial Revolution' somehow seemed less compelling than the chance to test the bold claim on Timothy Johnson's 'Shatterproof' ruler.But here at last is a chance to have a good laugh and learn all that stuff you feel you really ought to know by now...
In this 'Horrible History for Grown Ups' you can read how Anglo-Saxon liberals struggled to be positive about immigration; 'Look I think we have to try and respect the religious customs of our new Viking friends - oi, he's nicked my bloody ox!'Discover how England's peculiar class system was established by some snobby French nobles whose posh descendents still have wine cellars and second homes in the Dordogne today. And explore the complex socio-economic reasons why Britain's kings were the first in Europe to be brought to heel; (because the Stuarts were such a useless bunch of untalented, incompetent, arrogant, upper-class thickoes that Parliament didn't have much choice.)
A book about then that is also incisive and illuminating about now, '2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge', is an hilarious, informative and cantankerous journey through Britain' fascinating and bizarre history.As entertaining as a witch burning, and a lot more laughs.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
112 of 124 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a former university history student, I have to say that I knew shockingly little about the times of Ancient and post- Cromwellian Britain. Most history books I read were so dry and, frankly, dull, that I felt my head hitting the page after the first lines of the introduction. This book is totally different, and all the better for it. From reading this book, the author has made British history flow from one dynasty to the next so that you are compelled to turn the page. OK, so it might not be a true historians critique of our past, but it's one that is easily relatable. Running through the narrative is a wonderfully sarcastic wit, which not only serves to make the book more pleasurable to read but also reminds us of our true murky past, should we think that Britains history is one of stiff- upper- lipped honour and decency from start to finish. Each monarch is scrutinised for what they really were, from Elizabeth I and what really caused the defeat of the Spanish Armada (bad weather!) to the puritanical despotism of Cronwell's rule, despite being seen nowadays as almost a national hero, having a statue in pride of place outside Westminster.
I would recommend this book to anyone, as a funny, witty, and informative guide to British History. If you're new to History or just want to refresh your memory or expand your knowledge, this book is well worth a read. It'll make you laugh too, which is always a plus!
I would recommend this book to anyone, as a funny, witty, and informative guide to British History. If you're new to History or just want to refresh your memory or expand your knowledge, this book is well worth a read. It'll make you laugh too, which is always a plus!
76 of 84 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
O'Farrell enters Bill Bryson territory here by providing a read that's informative yet fun - it gives a basic chronological account of British history, the facts interspersed with a great many jokes, most of which warrant a bit of a smile if not outright mirth.
It's certainly worth a go if you want to reacquaint yourself with the rudiments of our island's history, or maybe find out about them for the first time if the dry and dusty approach to History at school left you yawning.
Overall, a very entertaining read provided one doesn't get cross with its flippant approach to the subject, which would be to miss the point. Those wanting a scholarly treatment should look elsewhere, but if you like to have a laugh and learn a bit as you go, this is for you.
It's certainly worth a go if you want to reacquaint yourself with the rudiments of our island's history, or maybe find out about them for the first time if the dry and dusty approach to History at school left you yawning.
Overall, a very entertaining read provided one doesn't get cross with its flippant approach to the subject, which would be to miss the point. Those wanting a scholarly treatment should look elsewhere, but if you like to have a laugh and learn a bit as you go, this is for you.
98 of 113 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a History teacher, I'm all for making the subject more accessible and fun. This book tries to be a cross between '1066 And All That' and the Terry Deary 'Horrible History' for adults. Parts of it are very funny indeed and there are some sections which do inform as they entertain. Unfortunately, and I hate to be a killjoy, the whole thing is let down by the sheer laziness and superficiality of John O'Farrell's research. As he cheerfully admits , his factual information is largely skimmed from a few books and a quick trawl through the internet. Parts are just plain wrong, and as another reviewer says he seems completely ignorant of the last 20 years of Historical research. His account of the First World War, for example, is full of old myths and inaccuracies. Much of his 'analysis' is simply assertion, and there is no sense that History is a subject open to debate and different interpretations. To be fair, the title and subtitle of the book do acknowledge this in a way. However, if you're going to enthuse people about a subject, surely you should make some effort to make the information you're putting across as accurate as possible. I don't think Bill Bryson would have received plaudits for his popular science book if he'd got Einstein's Theory Of Relativity completely wrong!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An excellent read
English history explained in a very humourous way. Really enjoyed it. If only history had been this much fun at school!
Published 2 months ago by Mr. Brian Wing
Enjoyable but inaccurate
I like the Douglas Adams-like approach and it makes a change to have history treated lightly. But that doesn't excuse the peddling of popular myths. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Kevin Partner
England/Britain?
The more I read this book the more irritated I got. I don't know whether it's through the author's arrogance or just downright laziness by the editor, but the constant jumping... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Chasmac17
title
Be detailed and specific. What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the product?
Not too short and not too long. Aim for between 75 and 300 words.
Not too short and not too long. Aim for between 75 and 300 words.
Published 7 months ago by Andreas Ude
when is it going to get funny, informative or entertaining?
I've managed to get through to three quarters of the way through. If it improves, I'll modify this review. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Captain Kirk
A romp through British History
A rapid pace journey through British History, reminding you of what you learnt at school (or should have) and filling in the gaps where you didnt. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Lord Of All He Surveys
utterly impartial history of britain.
given a copy of this book last christmas. having read it i have purched a copy from you in order to give it a close friend for his 80th. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr. Maurice Giddings
Horrible History for aDULTS
This book should convert the most history-phobic of adults. Well-written, funny yet factual, it not only brings history to life but also brings some context to modern events.
Published 12 months ago by Miss Douglas
Boring, long winded and not funny
This book isnt funny. the author goes off on tangents and tries very hard but it just didnt work for me. it could have been cut back by a couple of hundred pages.
Published 14 months ago by Al Dude
Great read!!
I have to say this is one of the funniest books I have read in ages, along with the numerous witty and LOL comments, the narrative does zip along too. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Den4QPR
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