The first two volumes were truly remarkable, filled with excitement and engaging storylines. However, this particular volume seems rather dull in comparison.

The characters don't seem to have the same depth and charm as before. The plot lacks the twists and turns that kept readers on the edge of their seats in the previous installments.

There are moments that feel拖沓 and uneventful, making it a bit of a struggle to stay fully invested in the story.

It's a disappointment considering the high standards set by the first two volumes. One can't help but hope that future volumes will regain the magic and bring back the excitement that made the series so captivating in the first place.

This is probably the most captivating installment of the series.

It masterfully covers the period from the end of the Victorian era all the way through to the conclusion of World War II.

Primarily, it does so from the perspective of Churchill, and he is presented in a sympathetic light.

Thankfully, it is not a hagiographic portrayal, which would have been overly idealized and perhaps less engaging.

The story delves deep into this significant historical time frame, offering valuable insights and a nuanced understanding of the events and the people involved.

Churchill's role during this tumultuous period is explored in detail, highlighting his leadership, decisions, and the impact he had on the course of history.

Overall, this part of the series is a must-read for anyone interested in this era of history and the complex figure of Churchill.

- A very peculiar historical review.

Genre. Essay.

What it tells us. The third book in the author's series dedicated to the history of Great Britain (not strictly speaking of the British Empire), which deals with the period between 1776 and 2000.

This book offers a unique perspective on a significant era in British history. It delves into the events, social changes, and political developments that occurred during this time. By exploring this period, readers can gain a deeper understanding of how Great Britain evolved and its impact on the world.

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Simon Schama concludes his narrative history of Britain with the third volume, ‘The Fate of Empire’, spanning the era from 1776 to the millennium. This final installment is a remarkable five-star work, bringing to a close an overall five-star series.

At one juncture, Schama recounts the young Churchill reading Macaulay and characterizing this historian as: “The epitome of what a historian should be: an engaged citizen, a public teacher for the times, and not least, an unapologetic best-seller.” One wonders if this is a touch of tongue in cheek, describing Macaulay, the future Churchill, and of course, Schama himself.

In this volume, Schama is at his finest, recounting events from an oblique perspective. He deftly utilizes the literary giants of the day to illustrate the growth of a distinct British identity as the empire declines from its zenith. With the American Independence and the French Revolution, Britain had to adapt or evolve, and the internal conflict is vividly depicted through Coleridge and Wordsworth. The industrial revolution transformed the workforce and society, and Schama showcases this with a personal account of Victoria, leading into the Edwardian suffragettes and the growth of the labor movement, using Shaw and H.G. Wells. Churchill provides ample literary reference for two world wars, and the extended reference to George Orwell and his seeming contradictions adds a brilliant dimension, highlighting the struggle between patriotic war effort and domestic socio-political upheaval.

I completed this book after watching Danny Boyle’s eccentric and quirky Olympic opening ceremony. While I’m not suggesting that Schama’s history is as offbeat as that, it made me reflect on how he also looks to describe an event using often overlooked characters. The seeds of a ‘British revolution’ and the growth of a conservationist conscience are intertwined in the works of Newcastle’s Thomas Bewick, whose etchings concealed a social comment as he debated the need for change in the back rooms of ‘The Blackie Boy’ pub – it’s still there, and I’ve frequented it often without realizing. Women’s emancipation, tied to the French Revolution, is seen through Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley’s mother, and the Crimean War is presented through Mary Seacole rather than the more commonly known Florence Nightingale.

Covering the entirety of British history in under 2000 pages is a challenging task, given Britain’s once prominent position in world events. The author must be selective and focus on how each period shaped the next, using a thematic style throughout. Schama accomplishes this with his background in art and is particularly effective when employing literary characters in the later periods. As in his TV programs, he can be occasionally irritating, and his usually fluid style sometimes gives way to overly clever and confusing syntax. However, these are minor criticisms. If you’re seeking a broad-brush yet effective introduction to this subject, I highly recommend it.

Great set of books!

This series of books is truly outstanding. It offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. The stories are engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the writing is of high quality. Each book in the series builds on the previous ones, creating a seamless and immersive experience for the reader.

What's more, this series of books is also great on DVD. The DVD adaptation brings the stories to life in a whole new way. The visuals are stunning, the acting is excellent, and the production values are top-notch. Watching the DVD is a great way to experience the books if you don't have the time or inclination to read them. Whether you prefer to read the books or watch the DVD, this series is definitely worth checking out.

The final volume in this series delves into the time period stretching from the American Revolution all the way to the turn of the millennium.

As is often the case, certain sections proved to be more captivating, while others were less so.

Moreover, attempting to condense nearly two and a half centuries of history into just a few hundred pages inevitably results in a loss of significant depth.

Nevertheless, it still manages to provide a reasonably good historical overview.

It offers a broad perspective on the major events, trends, and developments that took place during this extensive time frame.

Although it may not be able to cover every single detail in great depth, it does give readers a solid foundation and understanding of the historical context.

Overall, despite its limitations, this volume serves as a useful resource for those interested in exploring this particular era of history.

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The book in question is an interesting piece of work that offers unique insights. It delves into various aspects of the subject matter, presenting a comprehensive view.

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Please see Schama, the Wars of the British.

This work by Schama delves deep into the complex and often tumultuous history of the wars that have shaped the British nation.

It explores the various conflicts, from ancient times to more recent eras, analyzing the causes, consequences, and key players involved.

Schama's detailed research and engaging writing style bring these wars to life, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact they had on British society, politics, and culture.

By studying the Wars of the British, we can better appreciate the struggles and sacrifices that have led to the nation we know today.

It also provides valuable insights into the nature of warfare and the lessons that can be learned from history.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the British Isles, Schama's work is a must-read.

It offers a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of a crucial aspect of British history.

I've read all three volumes of this work.

My only criticism is that as we approach the end of the Second World War, the author appears to lose momentum.

It seems as if the author is in a hurry to bring the narrative to a close.

This somewhat detracts from the overall experience, as the pacing feels a bit rushed during this crucial period.

However, despite this minor flaw, this anthology is truly a great exploration of British history.

It offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the events, people, and ideas that have shaped the nation over the years.

The author's research is evident, and the writing is accessible and engaging, making it a great read for both history enthusiasts and those new to the subject.

Overall, I would highly recommend this anthology to anyone interested in learning more about British history.

This concluding volume provides a comprehensive coverage of the history of Britain, stretching from the US revolution all the way to the present day.

As one might anticipate, it offers a broad overview of various themes. While it may not delve into the minutest details, that is perfectly acceptable. After all, I have perused more detailed accounts in the past.

Among the different sections, the one on the establishment of the Raj in India stands out as the most captivating part of this book. It presents a fascinating narrative of how the British colonial rule was established and maintained in India, highlighting the key events,人物, and policies that shaped this significant period in history.

Overall, this volume serves as a useful introduction to the history of Britain, offering readers a valuable perspective on the country's past and its impact on the world.

I am truly overjoyed to have perused all three volumes of Schama's History of Britain. Despite their considerable length, they have been an absolute delight to read. What I found most captivating is Schama's approach. He assumes that the reader already has a basic understanding of the general contours of history. With this foundation, he then masterfully weaves together engaging stories about the people and events that have shaped the nation. It's not just an endless litany of "and then...and then...and then...". Instead, it's a rich tapestry of human experiences and historical developments that bring the past to life. I cannot recommend these books highly enough. They are a must-read for anyone with an interest in British history or a love for well-told stories.

Schama makes it abundantly clear in the preface that his work bears no resemblance to a textbook. In fact, it reads more like a captivating LongReads essay.

He deftly manages to discuss the more unseemly aspects of the Empire, often employing irony or British humour to address the hypocrisy at play. However, despite this, on several occasions, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at what seemed to be the author's gullibility or the assumed naivete of his audience.

It must indeed be a challenging situation for a British person who simply wishes to read about the country's history out of innocent curiosity, and I can empathize. But all too often, the instances of astonishing tone-deafness and cruelty felt like punches to the gut. Ordinarily, I'm extremely cautious of rhetoric that煽情s the emotions, but in this case, the facts of European colonialism are unbearably nauseating.

By the end of the book, as infamous events draw closer in time and the hatred they inspire remains raw, Schama begins to focus solely on individual figures, sometimes for an entire chapter. It's a disarming tactic, shifting from objective, condemnable acts to a discussion of their vague, psychological underpinnings among the actors. For example, the horrors of WWI for the colonies or the lords' reluctant retreat as the sun finally sets on the empire are explored through the personalities of an eccentric Churchill or the guilt-ridden Orwell. The devastation left in India in the wake of the British exit is almost completely overlooked, except for a single picture of a Hindu-Muslim riot with no accompanying explanation of how such anarchic violence originated.

If nothing else, Schama's work has piqued my interest in reading more history, particularly from the decolonization perspective or from more honest narrators. The only redeeming feature of Schama's account (and the Empire as a whole) is the kindness and courage of a few individuals whose sense of empathy and integrity knew no racial or national boundaries.