I need to read this article again.

However, I am quite certain that I thoroughly enjoyed it the first time around.

The initial reading left a lasting impression on me, and I have a strong desire to explore it further.

Perhaps there are details that I might have missed during the first encounter, and by reading it again, I hope to uncover those hidden gems.

Moreover, re-reading will allow me to better understand the author's perspective and the overall message conveyed in the article.

I am looking forward to delving deeper into the text and experiencing the same level of enjoyment, if not more, on this second reading.

It is always interesting to see how our perception of a piece of writing can change with subsequent readings, and I am excited to embark on this literary journey once again.

The third volume is a near failure.

What is said within it is indeed well said, yet there is a significant drawback in that too much is left unsaid.

In Schama's universe, the role of science seems to be rather irrelevant, while technology is presented as triumphant.

The problem, however, lies in the fact that this perspective is entirely too focused on the temporal near field.

As a result, the integration of detail becomes impossible.

This was the case for Churchill, and it is also true for Schama.

Perhaps a more comprehensive approach that takes into account both the broader context and the finer details would have led to a more successful volume.

As it stands, the third volume leaves the reader with a sense of incompleteness and a desire for more in-depth exploration.

Nevertheless, it still contains some valuable insights that are worth considering.

Overall, while it may not be a complete success, it does offer some food for thought.

This statement truly encapsulates the essence of a remarkable trilogy that has reached its conclusion in an outstanding manner.

The journey through this trilogy has been nothing short of incredible, filled with captivating storylines, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists and turns.

Each installment has built upon the previous one, creating a seamless and engaging narrative that has kept readers on the edge of their seats.

The finale, in particular, ties up all the loose ends and provides a satisfying resolution to the overarching plot.

It showcases the culmination of the author's talent and vision, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Overall, this trilogy is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and immersive literary experience.

It sets a high standard for storytelling and serves as a testament to the power of great literature.

In the context of the entire history of Britain, I would say that the period 1776 - 2000 is, to a great extent, about the "fate of empire". It involves building it up and then tearing it down. And Schama indeed dedicates a significant amount of time to India in this book. However, it's not just about battles and occupations. It also catalogs the construction and deconstruction of different streams of British (mostly English) political and certain forms of cultural thought.

It's like a sampler platter of various elements from each generation, presented in a somewhat chronological manner, though not entirely. Sometimes it samples writers, whether of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, but always those with a common interest in societal criticism. Sometimes it focuses on politicians, and at other times on military or royal figures.

Schama tells the story as if addressing an audience already acquainted with the main events of English history. He presumes that the reader knows about their wars, kings and queens, prime ministers, technological advancements, and major calamities. And then, for the most part, he embellishes these events with the interpretations provided by their literary contemporaries.

He spends a great deal of time on the late 18th/early 19th century revolutionaries and the pastoral idealists that many of them evolved into. He discusses Wollstonecraft and the "Rights of Women", as well as other writers and thinkers who carried related, early torches, pioneering human rights. He also delves into Queen Victoria and her dichotomies - Empress, politician-in-chief, and subservient wife. He tells the story of the coming of the modern era mainly through Winston Churchill, from the late 1890s through World War II (with a generous helping of Orwell).

The period from 1945 to 2000 is largely glossed over, except for a few interesting generalizations and insights into the rapid twists and turns of the evolution of the British "Welfare State" and privatization. His tone changes significantly once he begins talking about the era during which (presumably) he was alive and living through the history.

It's a lengthy book, but there is a lot that he leaves out or only treats briefly. This includes colonization outside of India, Northern Ireland in the 20th century, 19th century British Socialism (and its impact on the 20th century), Thatcher, the arts other than literature, and the art of the 20th century.

Admittedly, I'm accustomed to accounts that view history more through the lens of technological and artistic advancements. For example, how industrial revolution era weaving technology led to the computer and changed everything. That's a style I can relate to more (yay, James Burke!). But this was still an interesting book nevertheless. The 19th century artists and cultural critics who I believe are so important are barely mentioned. Ruskin gets a little bit of attention, and William Morris and George Elliot are only named incidentally - although Julia Margaret Cameron does get a nice little section.

I'm not deeply enough involved with the politics and philosophers of that time and place to have much of an opinion beyond what Schama tells me. So I can't really comment on his slant or his takeaways, except to say that they are interesting and appear reasonably fair, for the most part.

Broken history is told through scattered mini-biographies.

The third and final volume of Schama's "A History of Britain" limps to the end with a disjointed 150-year history that isn't truly a history at all. Instead, it's a series of mini-biographies of personalities from the relevant time period, but only loosely connected to the events themselves.

The Napoleonic Wars are scarcely touched upon, except for a small mini-biography of Rousseau. There is an EXTENDED biography of Mary Wolstoncraft (far too long, in fact). I suppose this is an attempt to equate her with the hardships of women and the gradual rise of proto-feminist/suffrage thought in Britain during the Victorian era. However, it's too specific to Wolstoncraft herself to be of real use. We also get short biographies of John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, and (more appropriately) Lloyd George and Churchill. Other figures like Gandhi pass through the narrative, but only a select few receive the in-depth biographical treatment from Schama.

The Churchill biography dominates the latter half of the book, which is mostly appropriate but also frustrating. While Schama warns the reader not to expect a traditional narrative history, his approach of piecing together semi-random biographies that never connect to the actual historical facts/narrative gives the impression of a somewhat hasty effort.

Overall, this final volume is the least coherently structured, the least well-argued, and the least satisfying. Much like the Empire it is meant to chronicle, it ends with a whimper rather than a bang.

At least I have reached the conclusion of Simon Schama's three-volume millennial history of Britain.

I always suspected that I might relish the final volume more than the previous two, perhaps because I felt a closer connection to it, as if I was part of it.

However, reading it was like being on one of those theme park roller coasters. It jerked me along, zoomed at high speeds, changed direction abruptly, and went slowly for reasons I couldn't fathom. Occasionally, it provided me with grand views or unusual close-ups.

I might have had a better experience with more chapters, but perhaps the intention was to align with the TV series that I have never seen. The way things were linked together was quite ingenious. I thought the combination of examining individual lives in some detail, such as Victoria, Orwell, Churchill, and the Indian Viceroy who lounged in his chair like a neo-Roman but actually had severe hemorrhoids, alongside the grand affairs of state was executed rather well.

I was glad I had read the earlier volumes as I did gain a greater sense of why Britain is the way it is (or at least why Schama thinks Britain is the way he thinks it is). Once again, the illustrations enhanced the book, and of course, for this period, contemporary photographs could be utilized, sometimes with a devastating impact, such as the starving Indians.

Overall, it was an engaging and informative read that offered a unique perspective on British history.

What is written is rather good, but the title is EXTREMELY misleading.

It places far too much emphasis on individuals, merely skims or even skips over significant events, and attempts to squeeze the last 70 years into just half a chapter.

For instance, more attention is dedicated to Churchill's childhood than to the entire 1960s and 1970s combined.

Post-war immigration, I don't believe, is even mentioned.

Nor do I think the Troubles are, although I gave up after the Thatcher part as it was just so frustratingly brief.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also ignored.

I understand that it's challenging to cover such a vast amount of history, but no one compelled him to do so.

When comparing this book to the depth of the first and, to a lesser extent, the second book, the difference is staggering.

I don't think this book even serves as a good introduction or skeleton framework for British history as it is all just too concise.

It reads like a collection of articles or essays about British individuals rather than a narrative history of Britain.

And even if that's what it's attempting to do, I would contend that it's too brief for that purpose as well.

Overall, it's disappointing and frustrating.

A thoroughly decent overview of the time period in question is presented here.

However, for all scholastic purposes, the chronicle disappointingly stops at the Second World War. The period that follows is only granted a fleeting essay, which seems rather insufficient.

What makes this work entertainingly contemporary is its insistence that history is constructed of multiple histories. It argues that the events of the past were predicated on ideologies that, in turn, depended on selective or subjective perspectives of what came before.

Consequently, plenty of space is dedicated to literature. Coleridge, Wells, and Orwell are given equivalent space as Wollstonecraft, Victoria, and Mill. Moreover, figures such as Disraeli and Churchill are approached not only through the lens of their personal biographies but also through their literary influence.

In conclusion, this overview is both entertaining and knowingly selective, offering a unique perspective on the time period.

The beautifully written trilogy presents a remarkable literary achievement.

It is crafted in a writing style that is not only warm and accessible but also level-headed, allowing readers to easily engage with the story.

As we all know, history is often written by the victors, and then further re-written by the analysts. This trilogy delves into this concept, offering a fresh perspective on historical events.

The accompanying TV series was equally exceptional, bringing the story to life in a vivid and engaging manner.

It added another dimension to the trilogy, captivating audiences and further enhancing the overall experience.

Together, the trilogy and the TV series have left a lasting impression, captivating readers and viewers alike with their compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes.

I heart Simon Schama forever.

Of course, if I were to be extremely picky about my history, I might probably have something more critical to say.

However, as it stands, I just - I just - I absolutely love him.

I have this crazy desire to have his history babies.

Simon Schama's work has had a profound impact on me. His ability to bring history to life through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling is truly remarkable.

Whenever I read his books or watch his documentaries, I feel like I'm being transported back in time.

His passion for history is contagious, and it makes me want to learn more about the past.

I can't get enough of his work, and I will continue to be a devoted fan of his for as long as I live.

A Decent (If Conservative) History of the Isles

This book offers a rather comprehensive and decent history of the Isles.

It delves into the various aspects of the region's past, covering political events, social changes, and cultural developments.

However, it should be noted that the approach taken is somewhat conservative.

The author presents a traditional view of history, perhaps relying more on established sources and interpretations.

While this provides a solid foundation for understanding the Isles' history, it may lack the innovation and fresh perspectives that some readers might seek.

Nevertheless, for those interested in a reliable and well-researched account of the Isles' past, this book can be a valuable resource.

It offers a detailed exploration of the region's history, presented in a clear and accessible manner.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the Isles, this book is worth considering.

A fantastic read indeed! This piece of literature is an absolute must for every Anglophile out there. It offers a captivating journey into the world of all things English. The detailed descriptions and engaging narrative draw the reader in from the very first page. Whether you have a deep love for the English language, its culture, history, or all of the above, this book has something for you. It provides valuable insights and perspectives that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of England. So, if you consider yourself an Anglophile, don't miss out on this amazing read. Grab a copy today and let yourself be transported to the wonderful world of England.