A History of Britain?

[Galant]

Hi Guys,

Got the urge to improve my British history. Can anyone recommend a great (preferably single-volume) resource on the subject? I'm not a historian so probably not something too technical/academic.

In terms of period I'd prefer to focus on the earlier period/origins of Britain rather than the modern era.

Thanks.

[Ttaskmaster]

With many thousands of years to choose from, can you possibly narrow it down to a century or two, or even just an era?

As for academic sources, Wikipedia is probably your best bet. Most other sources of similar (or shallower level) will likely make references to terms that require at least a brief explanation in order to make sense or have any relevant context, so best to have something that explains them.

[Smudger]

Horrible Histories.

All joking aside, there's a couple of series from, for example, Simon Schama and Lucy Worsley that are quite interesting, if you like things visual and aural...

If you prefer to read, I'm sure there were books to accompany the series.

[Galant]

With many thousands of years to choose from, can you possibly narrow it down to a century or two, or even just an era?

As for academic sources, Wikipedia is probably your best bet. Most other sources of similar (or shallower level) will likely make references to terms that require at least a brief explanation in order to make sense or have any relevant context, so best to have something that explains them.

I don't really mind the era, whether it's an overview of a large span or more specific to a narrower period. I'm just after good histories anyone can recommend.

[Galant]

Horrible Histories.

All joking aside, there's a couple of series from, for example, Simon Schama and Lucy Worsley that are quite interesting, if you like things visual and aural...

If you prefer to read, I'm sure there were books to accompany the series.

Schama - A History of Britain?

Worsley seems to have a few, any particular recommendations?

[Smudger]

Schama - A History of Britain?

Worsley seems to have a few, any particular recommendations?

That's the one, it's probably quite old now, but I guess history doesn't change much.

Haven't read any of Worsley's but her TV work always entertains...

[MaddAussie]

... but I guess history doesn't change much. ...

You'd hope so!

[Ttaskmaster]

I'm not a historian so probably not something too technical/academic.

Well, let's see....
First the Earth cooled.
Then the dinosaurs came, but they got too big and fat, so they all died and they turned into oil.
And then the Arabs came and they bought Mercedes Benz.
And Prince Charles started wearing all of Lady Di's clothes. I couldn't believe it- He took her best summer dress and he put it on and went to town...

[Galant]

Well, after that I'm not sure why anyone bothers writing history books.

The Queen should give you an OBE or something for service to the British Empire and the human race!

[Ttaskmaster]

Well, after that I'm not sure why anyone bothers writing history books.
The Queen should give you an OBE or something for service to the British Empire and the human race!

Naw, you can't get one just by quoting a film... if you could, I'd have dozens of them already!