A History of Britain: The Fate Of Empire 1776-2000

A People's history of the British Isles is an ambitious work that aims to provide a comprehensive and enlightening account of the history of the British Isles.

It delves into the lives and experiences of the people who have inhabited these islands over the centuries, exploring their cultures, traditions, and struggles.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from the earliest civilizations to the present day, and offers a unique perspective on the events and forces that have shaped the British Isles.

With its engaging narrative and detailed research, A People's history of the British Isles is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of this fascinating region.

The last 100 years were a tad Orwell-heavy, which may bother some.

However, when looking at the overall picture, this was a well-written, readable, memorable and compact history of these isles.

The author has managed to capture the essence of the events and personalities that have shaped the history of these islands over the past century.

The writing is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and those who are new to the subject.

Despite the focus on Orwell, there is still a great deal of other interesting and important information presented in the book.

Overall, this is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the history of these isles.

I found this volume of the trilogy to be the least satisfying. It seemed a bit rushed.

Then, to my surprise, I discovered that I had downloaded an abridged version by mistake. I will definitely listen to the full one because I am eager to get the complete story.

However, it's important to note that the abridged version still has many commendable aspects. Schama focuses on key themes such as the rise and fall of the empire, the rise and fall of the Labour Party and the welfare state, universal suffrage, and the rise and possible fall of the United Kingdom. He skillfully links the chronology of the 19th and 20th centuries through these themes.

As always, he takes a balanced approach. There is judgment, but it is largely free from prejudice. It's truly fascinating. I wholeheartedly recommend this trilogy to anyone interested in history and politics.

It offers valuable insights and a comprehensive understanding of the complex events and issues that have shaped our world.

The events seem to be too closely spaced in time to be "assuredly" historical.

Moreover, the selection of tidbits from a history that we believe we are familiar with is rather odd.

It's almost like rummaging through an attic trunk, uncovering strange and unexpected items.

We expect history to be presented in a more linear and comprehensive manner, but here we are faced with a jumble of seemingly random facts.

It makes us question our understanding of the past and wonder if there are hidden aspects that we have overlooked.

Perhaps this unorthodox approach to presenting history is an attempt to make us see the familiar in a new light and encourage us to dig deeper into the annals of time.

After all, history is a complex tapestry, and sometimes the most interesting threads are hidden beneath the surface.

As we continue to explore this collection of historical tidbits, we may discover new perspectives and gain a more nuanced understanding of the events that have shaped our world.

A history that is not only rigorous but also heartfelt,

emerges as a truly remarkable piece of work. It approaches its subject matter with a deep sense of fond attachment,

yet is not afraid to be hugely critical when necessary. This unique combination makes it a captivating and thought-provoking read.

I find myself filled with a sense of regret that I did not come across this earlier.

Had I read it sooner, I would have gained a more profound understanding of the events and their significance.

It serves as a reminder that history is not just a collection of facts,

but a complex tapestry of human experiences, emotions, and decisions.

By delving into this history, we can learn valuable lessons and gain insights that can shape our own perspectives and actions.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in a comprehensive and honest exploration of the past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What truly made it remarkable was the author's approach of telling history not through a dry recitation of events, dates, and lists of names, but rather through the eyes and stories of the people who witnessed history unfold. It added a personal and engaging touch to the narrative.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks. The author's tendency to jump around between England, India, and Ireland made it a bit disorienting at times. For instance, at the end of one chapter, we might be in late 19th century England, only to find ourselves in early 19th century India at the start of the next. Since I was listening on Audible, it sometimes became difficult to keep track of when things were happening. Another minor issue was that I lacked the necessary context for the Indian part of the story. With only a basic understanding of Indian history, I struggled to fully relate to the events and characters described. I believe that if I had a stronger foundation in Indian history, the stories would have held even more value.

Despite these flaws, Schama's strength lies in his ability to provide context to history, breathing new life into a fading past that is often clouded by memories and preconceived notions. The past is indeed a foreign country, and Schama seems to speak its language fluently. He has learned this language from the writings of individuals, both famous and ordinary, who lived through the events he describes. For example, much of the early 20th century section focuses on two figures, Winston Churchill and Eric Blair (George Orwell). Their contrasting views, similarities, and use of language to describe the world around them create a fascinating framework for understanding British history during that time period. The section ends poignantly with Blair's review of Churchill's book Their Finest Hour.

The more recent history section felt more like an essay than a detailed analysis. I found it interesting that Schama argues that Britain does not quite fit the European mould and that if Europe is not satisfied with Britain as it is, then Britain should consider walking away. Given that he was a Remainer during the referendum, I wonder if he now regrets those words. So much has changed in the past 20 years. I arrived in England in 1998, at the age of 22, in love with an idea of England. That England still exists, but it is gradually disappearing. So much has changed so quickly, not just in Britain but also in my hometown in America. I'm not sure if I was simply too young to notice the changes during the 80's and 90's or if change has truly accelerated. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we remember the past. And to leave you with a thought-provoking passage from George Orwell's 1984: ‘It is almost time for you to leave, comrade,’ he said to Julia. ‘Wait. The decanter is still half full.’ He filled the glasses and raised his own glass by the stem. ‘What shall it be this time?’ he said, still with the same faint suggestion of irony. ‘To the confusion of the Thought Police? To the death of Big Brother? To humanity? To the future?’ ‘To the past,’ said Winston. ‘The past is more important,’ agreed O’Brien gravely.

A fascinating history of - well, Britain, unfolds before our eyes. Starting just after the Jacobite Rebellions and stretching (almost) to the present day. Simon Schama, with his usual meticulousness, presents a vivid picture of the developing Industrial Revolution. We then journey through the era of the Victorian empire and witness the Britain that endured two World Wars and the post-war dramas.

Interestingly, the First World War is almost bypassed, but it is told from the perspective of a country that lost nearly an entire generation of young men. The Second World War, on the other hand, reveals Schama's deep devotion to Winston Churchill. In fact, most of this part reads like a complete biography of Churchill's life. For me, it was truly captivating to see how he evolved into the orator of those famous speeches and understand why he was so resolute in his determination that "we shall NEVER surrender!"

The narrative then continues with the Iron Lady (Margaret Thatcher, for non-British readers) and progresses all the way to Blair and the Millennium. This book serves as a powerful reminder of why I always encourage people to take an interest in history. It provides valuable insights into why and how we have arrived at our current state.

Now, I find myself eager to go back and watch the series again, eager to immerse myself once more in this captivating history of Britain.

This is a great series.

I'm not entirely certain, but I have a strong suspicion that the illustrations and photos might just be the best part.

The way they are presented seems to add an extra layer of depth and visual appeal to the overall experience.

They have the ability to capture the essence of the story or concept in a way that words alone sometimes struggle to achieve.

Whether it's a detailed illustration that brings a character to life or a stunning photo that sets the mood, these visual elements truly enhance the series.

They draw the reader in and make them more engaged with the content.

It's as if they are a window into another world, allowing us to see and experience things in a whole new way.

Overall, I believe that the illustrations and photos are a crucial component of this great series and contribute significantly to its success.