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An Utterly Impartial History of Britain: (or 2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge)
 
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An Utterly Impartial History of Britain: (or 2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge) (Paperback)

by John O'Farrell (Author)
3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (116 customer reviews)
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An Utterly Impartial History of Britain: (or 2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge) + An Utterly Exasperated History of Modern Britain: or Sixty Years of Making the Same Stupid Mistakes as Always + The Making of Modern Britain: From Queen Victoria to V.E. Day: 1
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Product details

  • Paperback: 592 pages
  • Publisher: Black Swan (5 May 2008)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0552773964
  • ISBN-13: 978-0552773966
  • Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.8 x 4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (116 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 1,967 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #20 in  Books > History > Britain & Ireland
    #29 in  Books > History > Europe
    #35 in  Books > History > Countries & Regions

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John O'Farrell
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Product Description

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 a hilarious, informative and cantankerous journey through Britain' fascinating and bizarre history. As entertaining as a witch burning, and a lot more laughs.

From the Back Cover

When a historian says ‘Waterloo’, do you automatically think of Abba?

Do you wonder how Neville chamberlain failed to realize that Hitler was a baddie when the Fuhrer was so clearly wearing a Nazi armband?

And why did the Normans fight the Saxons at a place called ‘Battle?’did they just see the road signs and just think that’s where they were supposed to go?

From 55 BC to 1945, An Utterly Impartial History of Britain informs, explains, but most of all laughs at the seemingly incomprehensible rollercoaster of events that make up the story of Great Britain. Packed with great characters trapped in impossible dilemmas, this true-life drama will have you on the edge of your seats thinking ‘I wonder which of them dies at the end?’ (Well, they all do obviously. It was ages ago.)

As entertaining as a witch burning and a lot more laughs.

‘Mum, Dad, the Second Crusade is starting! Can we put a St George’s flag on the cart?’
‘No dear, we don’t want everyone to think Daddy is a builder.’

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An Utterly Impartial History of Britain: (or 2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge)
86% buy the item featured on this page:
An Utterly Impartial History of Britain: (or 2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge) 3.7 out of 5 stars (116)
£4.94
An Utterly Exasperated History of Modern Britain: or Sixty Years of Making the Same Stupid Mistakes as Always
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An Utterly Exasperated History of Modern Britain: or Sixty Years of Making the Same Stupid Mistakes as Always 3.8 out of 5 stars (14)
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A History of Modern Britain
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A History of Modern Britain 4.0 out of 5 stars (57)
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The Making of Modern Britain: From Queen Victoria to V.E. Day: 1
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The Making of Modern Britain: From Queen Victoria to V.E. Day: 1 4.4 out of 5 stars (22)
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Customer Reviews

116 Reviews
5 star:
 (51)
4 star:
 (25)
3 star:
 (12)
2 star:
 (11)
1 star:
 (17)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.7 out of 5 stars (116 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
51 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars History with humour, 4 Jun 2008
By Ichabod J (Farleigh Wallop, Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   
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.
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82 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A book so utterly wonderful, I would defy you not to enjoy it!, 19 May 2008

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!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining and useful read, 8 Feb 2008
By M. J. Thornhill "mjt" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This book fills a gap in the market for history for those of us who went to a state comprehensive school in the UK, where teaching history was deemed to be a form of oppression and thus was avoided (except where it became a useful tool of social engineering).

The book skims across every major phase, event, monarch and prime minister to deliver a bullet-point summary of the key political factors of the time, rationalising and characterising the logic of the day. It then rolls the event into the next event or decision.

O'Farrell's characterisations and asides rest upon plenty of references to contemporary British cultural life. A Briton will get most of the humour in this book; a Frenchman would appreciate most of it (but might take exception to some of the characterisations of French positions, although I think the characterisations are balanced and probably about right). An American wouldn't get any of this humour at all; an "Irish" America will also except the presentation of the Irish home rule matter.

The book finishes its story in 1946, then runs into 4 pages of bibliography.

Accordingly, this book is dangerous. Those of us who can spot the humour won't take the book literally. It will educate us as to why we have today's public policy. Those of us who cannot spot the humour will probably take the book literally and come to the wrong perception about British history (and thus today's public policy).

The book is an extract of the key facts, perceptions, decisions and accidents that culminate in how history was lived at the time. If you want to read a purely factual encyclopedia of British history - complete with revisionism, counterfactual rubbish and ideology - this book is inappropriate.

I loved this book. It resonates with my limited understanding of British history, painting broad strong colours where there was only black-and-white (because as Generation X knows, everything before 1970 was in black-in-white).

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Chippy left-wing drivel
If you want an embittered socialist republican preaching his dismal lefty dogma at you and trying to sugar the whole chip-on-the-shoulder pill with sixth-form humour, then this is... Read more
Published 22 days ago by C. N. Howard

5.0 out of 5 stars Well, I thought it a great read... whats the problem here?
This book is as true and accurate as the alternative; the rubbish class based Conservative government curriculum I was taught in the 60's. Read more
Published 29 days ago by brian ingram

1.0 out of 5 stars Not very funny
I bought this after a couple of recommendations from friends. A complete waste of money. I gave up after 100 pages. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Dr. J. W. Martin

4.0 out of 5 stars An Utterly Impartial History of Britain
The book is a concise history of Britain written in an amusing way. It makes you think.
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. S. A. Marshall

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilariously informative journey through the history of Britain
From the moment the Utterly Impartial History of Britain arrives at your door, you realise that this isn't going to be an extensive and dull journey. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mark House

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
We came across this book in a coffee shop and had to buy a copy for ourselves. Great little history book. Read more
Published 2 months ago by SB

5.0 out of 5 stars An utterly impartial review
I had given this book to my mother for Christmas last year and she loved it so much that she decided that I should read it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Acquafortis

5.0 out of 5 stars History can be fun!
An Utterly Impartial History of Britain: (or 2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge)

I wish this book had been around during my school years, I'm sure it would... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Moonstone /

2.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious from certain points of the political spectrum.
If you really do subscribe to the Marxist view of history, as O'Farrell does, then I'm sure you'll find this desperately funny, with gags about Thatcher (ooh, so evil). Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. R. Long

4.0 out of 5 stars Caesar to Churchill: a funny old couple of millennia
Strangely, I find myself able to sympathise with many reviewers, both the lovers and the loathers. I'm not a Guardian reader, so O'Farrell was new to me; nor do I have a left... Read more
Published 4 months ago by G. M. Sinstadt

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