Of the three volumes of A History of Britain, this particular one stands out as the most captivating for me. Simon Schama's methodology throughout all three volumes has been to eschew a straightforward chronology of events. Instead, he zeroes in on themes and, in particular, people.

In this volume, as the title hints, the main focus revolves around the concept of empire, which encompasses Britain and Ireland as a unified nation. Connections are drawn between significant events such as the Irish potato famine, the Scottish clearances, and the famines in India. Simon Schama delves deep into the motivations of the political elites in these situations, which can seem almost unfathomable and even unforgivable to modern sensibilities. There is relatively little of Niall Ferguson's exploration of the counterfactual of the British in India. Instead, there is a greater emphasis on how India was exploited for the benefit of Britain. For instance, the establishment of the railways, which was ostensibly to improve India's economy in the long run, but could also be argued as a means to facilitate food exports to Britain and more efficient troop movements.

In the latter part of the book, Churchill understandably takes center stage. The great, yet flawed, politician who believed that the empire would endure beyond the post-WW2 era, but who was also crucial in steering the country away from the appeasement of Hitler and the likely dire consequences for Britain as a subservient state.

The entire topic of empire is often approached with strong emotions, ranging from fond nostalgia to abhorrence. Simon Schama presents a critical and largely unemotional perspective. It is definitely a worthwhile read!

Fantastically written, Schama's work is truly remarkable. He not only delves deep into the political history of the era but also places a significant emphasis on society and culture. This unique approach gives his work a broader focus compared to the efforts of others like Andrew Marr. By exploring the social and cultural aspects, Schama provides a more comprehensive understanding of the times. We can see how the political events were influenced by and in turn influenced the society and culture. It is as if he is painting a vivid and detailed picture of the entire era, rather than just focusing on one narrow aspect. This makes his work not only informative but also engaging and thought-provoking.

I delved into Simon Schama’s three-volume history of Britain with the intention of obtaining a fundamental understanding of the country’s history prior to my significant move there. However, I didn't quite manage to finish it before arriving.

Although I have forgotten most of it, the first two volumes were rather good. They offered a somewhat balanced crash course through English history, with the occasional mention of Scotland and essentially no reference to Wales. Ireland only really featured when the English were oppressing it, which makes one wonder about the so-called ‘British’ history.

I wasn't as enthusiastic about volume three. Firstly, once the British empire gets underway, the scope of the book expands dramatically, and it becomes quite challenging to follow events across multiple continents that are not always presented in a logical manner. Sometimes it feels as if Schama has omitted important details. You'll suddenly find yourself in India with no idea how you got there, and it's all a bit confusing.

Secondly, in his introduction, Schama declares that he is going to approach volume three by referring to certain themes and ideas. However, this seemingly translates to an excessive amount of time dedicated to whatever Churchill and/or Orwell happens to be doing at any given moment. Similar to the continent-hopping mentioned above, this creative (?) framing of historical development through the lives of particular individuals comes at the expense of a basic chronological narrative and is a far cry from the simpler and more effective structure of the preceding books. I also just don't understand the obsession with Churchill. He feels forced into a bunch of sections.

I truly relished this third volume. Instead of centering solely on queens, kings, and wars, it took an intellectual turn. Here, we encounter modern enlightenment liberty from the feminist Wollstonecraft and later the economist, J.S. Mill. He delves into slavery and the Victorian empire-building. The lofty aspirations of utilitarianism and cultural toleration collided with greed, profit, and conquest. Ultimately, the conquest spirit prevailed, resulting in poverty, famine, and destruction.

All histories must focus on and select certain aspects. I appreciated the narrative choices. Comparing the consequences of British imperialism with the famines in Ireland and India was particularly interesting. The final chapter presented the story of the 20th century from two perspectives: George Orwell and Winston Churchill. Their views on the role of empire in the world were entirely different. However, in the face of the threat of fascism, they were in complete agreement. Despite all of Churchill's failures (such as violently suppressing labor strikes, the debacle at Gallipoli, his shortcomings as the chancellor of the exchequer, and a white supremacy world view that justified imperial conquest), he was correct about Hitler and was right to oppose him vigorously and forcefully. The author speculates that without Churchill, given the experience with Vichy France, a collaborationist English government could lead to the rounding up of British Jews, the elimination of the British Navy, and the victory of Hitler on the continent and the spread of fascism worldwide. The author, Schama, who is Jewish, poignantly remarks, "this is no small thing."

I truly like my history served up the Schama way.

Simon Schama is a renowned historian who has a unique and engaging approach to presenting history. His works are not just dry recitations of facts but rather vivid and captivating narratives that bring the past to life.

When I read or watch his presentations, I feel as if I am transported back in time, experiencing the events and emotions of those who lived in different eras.

Schama has a remarkable ability to make history relevant and accessible to a wide audience. He weaves together stories of individuals, cultures, and societies, highlighting the connections and continuities that have shaped our world.

His use of rich language, detailed descriptions, and engaging anecdotes makes his history lessons both enjoyable and educational.

Whether it's exploring the history of art, politics, or social change, Schama always manages to offer fresh perspectives and insights that deepen my understanding of the past.

In conclusion, I am a big fan of Simon Schama's approach to history, and I look forward to learning more from his works in the future.

Not as good as 1 and 2.

This simple statement holds a certain truth. In many aspects, there are often things or situations that don't measure up to the standards set by the first and second. It could refer to a variety of fields, such as performance, quality, or achievement.

For example, in a sports competition, an athlete may not perform as well as the top two finishers. Their skills or efforts may fall short, resulting in a lower ranking.

In the business world, a product might not be as good as its competitors that are ranked first and second. This could be due to factors like inferior features, higher prices, or less effective marketing.

However, it's important to note that being not as good as 1 and 2 doesn't mean complete failure. There is always room for improvement and growth. By analyzing the differences and learning from the top performers, one can strive to enhance their own abilities and ultimately reach a higher level.

In conclusion, while not being as good as 1 and 2 may seem discouraging at first, it can also serve as a motivation to work harder and strive for better results.

Simon Schama's History of Britain trilogy is a remarkable work, and the third volume is no exception. It is an interesting and entertaining exploration of a crucial period in British history.

The book delves deep into the events, personalities, and ideas that shaped Britain during this time. Schama's vivid writing brings the past to life, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.

With his unique perspective and extensive research, Schama presents a comprehensive and nuanced account of the era. He explores the political, social, and cultural changes that took place, as well as the impact they had on the people of Britain.

The third volume of the trilogy is a must-read for anyone interested in British history or in understanding the forces that have shaped our modern world. It is a captivating and thought-provoking work that will leave readers with a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex history of Britain.

An interesting perspective on a significant part of British history is presented in this work.

Rather than following a strictly chronological account of the empire, it centers on diverse figures, many of whom are not widely known.

It weaves back and forth through time to depict both their positions and their influence on history.

Notably, there is a strong presence of women in the work.

It's not just the few well-known figures of the Victorian era like the Pankhursts and Florence Nightingale.

There are also many less-remembered names who had a profound impact on their contemporaries and played a role in shaping history.

This approach offers a fresh and engaging look at British history, highlighting the often overlooked contributions of various individuals and the important role that women have played throughout the ages.

It enriches our understanding of the past and shows that history is made up of a complex tapestry of people and events, each with their own story to tell.

I absolutely loved this three-part British history set.

It was an incredibly engaging and informative exploration of the rich and diverse history of Britain.

The series covered a wide range of topics, from the early civilizations that inhabited the islands to the modern era.

The presentation was top-notch, with beautiful visuals and a captivating narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Each part of the set delved deeper into a specific period or theme, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events and people that shaped British history.

I would highly recommend this set to anyone with an interest in history, whether you are a casual enthusiast or a serious scholar.

It is a must-have addition to any history lover's collection and is sure to provide hours of entertainment and learning.

Overall, I cannot praise this three-part British history set enough and would encourage everyone to give it a watch.

I discovered this particular installment, which is the third in the series, to be an extremely enjoyable and engaging read.

From the very beginning, it had me hooked, and I couldn't put it down until I had finished.

The entire series has been a delight, and this third book is no exception.

It contains a wealth of information that is presented in a clear and accessible manner.

Whether you're a newcomer to the subject or an experienced enthusiast, you're sure to find something of value in these pages.

I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for an interesting and informative read.

It's one that you won't want to miss.

I truly relished this.

First and foremost, on a rather superficial level, the book is simply stunning. It features numerous magnificent reproductions of landscape and history paintings, portraits, and photographs. These visual elements add a whole new dimension to the reading experience, allowing the reader to vividly imagine the scenes and eras being described.

Secondly, the author, Simon Schama, demonstrates great skill in choosing just a few key threads to focus on for his narrative of Britain. This approach ensures that the story is not scattered or disjointed. Instead, it mainly delves into the history of social reform, the rather unseemly actions that Britain repeatedly took in India and Ireland, and the ongoing struggle between capitalism and socialism.

However, my only gripe is that the period from 1950 to 2000 is somewhat glossed over. Schama manages to cover a span of 50 years in just about 15 pages! This feels a bit rushed and perhaps doesn't do justice to the complex and significant events that took place during this time. Nevertheless, overall, the book is a captivating and informative read that offers valuable insights into the history of Britain.

The easiest and quickest read of the three volumes, in my opinion, is this one.

It presents a narrative that flows smoothly, without overly complex language or convoluted plotlines.

The author has a knack for presenting the story in a straightforward manner, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Whether you are a casual reader looking for a quick escape or a more serious book lover, this volume offers an enjoyable reading experience.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, and the story keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

I would highly recommend this volume to anyone looking for an easy and enjoyable read.