In his third volume of Simon Schama’s History of Britain, I believe that Schama took a step back a little in this final installment.

I had the impression that the first two volumes were of a higher quality.

However, I did find great interest in the in-depth background provided on George Orwell.

It was fascinating to see how the evolving Britain and Orwell's career were intertwined and shared common ties and themes.

The exploration of Orwell's life and work within the context of a changing nation added an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

Despite my initial reservation about the third volume, this aspect of it really captured my attention and made me think more deeply about the relationship between an individual and the society in which they live.

Overall, while the third volume may not have been as strong as the first two in my opinion, it still had its moments of brilliance and offered valuable insights into British history and the people who shaped it.

Simon Schama is truly a remarkable writer and an outstanding academic.

His writing style is highly accessible, effortlessly drawing the reader in with captivating personal stories of both the famous and the infamous, all set against the backdrop of the sweeping grandeur of history.

However, I had some reservations regarding his portrayal of Churchill. His claim that Churchill was not posh and that the king wouldn't have known him as well as he knew Halifax seemed rather far-fetched to me.

As the book progresses and reaches its conclusion at the turn of the century, which was over twenty years ago now, I couldn't help but feel that Schama was somewhat out of touch with the ordinary Brit.

Perhaps it is a fortunate turn of events that he has taken American citizenship. In the United States, he can freely criticize the right and be lauded and rewarded for it in a manner that might not have been possible in his native country.

This newfound freedom allows him to express his views more openly and engage in a different kind of intellectual discourse.

Overall, while Schama's work is undoubtedly thought-provoking, it also prompts us to question some of his interpretations and perspectives.

See my review of Schama's A History of Britain: At the Edge of the World? 3500 BC - AD 1603.

This book offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the history of Britain.

One of the most captivating sections is his depiction of the disastrous British contretemps in America from 1775 to 1815.

Schama vividly describes the events, the people involved, and the consequences.

The details he provides make this part of the history come alive.

It is truly a remarkable account that is well worth the price of the volume alone.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about Britain's past, this book is a must-read.

Schama's writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy to follow along and understand the complex events.

Overall, A History of Britain is a great addition to any bookshelf.

I did not care for this final volume as much as for the first two.

The author spent an inordinate amount of time on historical figures, such as poets and novelists, that were of little interest to me.

At the same time, he completely failed to mention the work of the two most important Englishmen who ever lived, Newton and Charles Darwin, based on their profound contributions to science.

He does, however, do a good job on Churchill, who is probably the third most important Englishman in world history. So that is something at least. Newton and Darwin explained the world we live in, and Churchill saved it.

The bottom line here is that the whole series is well worth reading.

Read again in July 2017. This time through, I was especially struck by the preposterous nature of the British government starting with Queen Victoria, when all role of any substance for the monarch and the House of Lords was ended. Why be so silly as to retain this absolutely silly ceremonial role-playing? They go through this meaningless act now for nothing but the tourist trade, or something. It seems rather absurd that such an archaic and seemingly pointless system persists in modern times.

Perhaps there are deeper historical and cultural reasons for its continuance that I am not fully aware of. But from my perspective, it appears to be more of a relic of the past than a meaningful institution in the present.

Nevertheless, despite these criticisms, the overall series still offers valuable insights and perspectives on various aspects of history and society.

It makes one think and question the way things are and have been, which is always a good thing.

So, while I may not have been as enamored with this final volume as I was with the first two, I still believe that the series as a whole is a worthwhile read.

Brilliant.

In this final volume of his remarkable trilogy, Schama masterfully concludes the long and tempestuous story of Britain. Throughout the series, he has been meticulous in highlighting the prominent figures in the arts and humanities who are so often overlooked in empirical histories. The entire trilogy exudes a certain passionate love for the land and nation it chronicles, while still remaining forthright about her shortcomings and what, due to a lack of suitable vocabulary, I must label as atrocities. It is a blend of exultant patriotism and an honest awareness.

Schama's work is not only a historical account but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Britain. He weaves together the threads of art, literature, and history to create a vivid and engaging narrative that brings the past to life. The trilogy is a testament to his erudition and his ability to make complex historical events accessible to a wide audience.

Impressive epic of a book. It covers a vast range of topics yet manages to remain highly entertaining. However, I firmly believe that there is greater value in delving into more specific histories. Without doing so, it is simply impossible to obtain a genuine (non-superficial) understanding.

For example, one of my favorite aspects was the account of how the House of Commons came to be built. English law was a medieval concept. Classical architecture was regarded as top-down and 'rules based', while gothic architecture was seen as bottom-up and a 'community of craft'. Thus, when parliament was tragically burnt down in 1834 and required rebuilding, this particular style appealed as a means of making politicians accountable to the people. It was viewed as a way to ensure a spirit of justice, freedom, and virtue. Sir Charles Barry designed it as part of a public competition.

This detailed exploration of the historical context and the significance behind the architectural choice adds a layer of depth and richness to the overall narrative. It makes one realize the importance of understanding the specific circumstances and the ideas that influenced the development of various aspects of our society.

I thought this third volume of Simon Schama’s History of Britain would be the one I’d enjoy the most. After all, I’d lived through a small part of it, and surely I knew more about the more recent history of this sceptred isle than the years covered in the earlier volumes.

But no, in truth, I found this volume to be rather dull in comparison. Maybe it’s the way the author decided to tell the tale: by tracking the timeline through his focus on a small number of influential characters. Or perhaps it was the very fact that I already knew a good part of the story. Or could it be that the early volumes had just covered more colourful periods in our history? A bit of all three, I think.

The first half of this book seemed to drag horribly as social changes, the rise of women’s rights movements, and the evolution of the role of the Royal Family were explored largely through the writings of Wordsworth and other notable scribblers. In the second half, things livened up a bit as big chunks describing the reign of Queen Victoria and the political life of Winston Churchill dominated the text. I did like the way the author offset Churchill’s period of influence with sections on George Orwell. The two were obviously politically miles apart, but they were both outspoken orators of uncomfortable truths. I think this was the section of the book that worked best.

As I’ve found on numerous occasions when listening to these volumes, some key moments of history seem to have hitherto passed me by. For example, I’d previously known nothing of the Siege of Lucknow (1857) or the Great Famine in India (1876 - 78). I also was reminded of the enormous scale of the British Empire at its peak - in 1913, 23% of the world’s population were under British rule. A staggering fact but one undermined by the knowledge that in achieving this level of control and influence, the treatment of many native inhabitants was far from acceptable!

As I came close to the end, I began to notice how some sections were skimpy in the extreme. For example, WW1 was barely covered - although WW2 was granted more space – and all events after 1945 were virtually skipped over. The establishment of the Welfare State was touched on as were the Thatcher years (dismissively), but suddenly Shama was winding it all up with his reflections on where Britain goes next.

The body of work comprised in these three volumes is staggering, and I’ve gained a great deal from working through them. I highly recommend these books (and/or the BBC television series that accompanied their release) to anyone interested in exploring the history of this island.

I first came across the series on DVD. It was an interesting experience, but as I delved deeper into it, I realized that the books are in a league of their own. They are way more detailed, which is hardly surprising considering the nature of the source material. The author, he is a dramatic historian, and this comes through clearly in his writing. He has a unique way of presenting historical events, making them come alive on the page. The characters are vividly drawn, and the storylines are engaging and full of twists and turns. Reading the books is like taking a journey through time, and it's a journey that I would highly recommend to anyone with an interest in history or just a love of good storytelling.

This book is considered the weakest one in the series.

The majority of the content is focused on Churchill, which is quite detailed and interesting. However, sadly, the rest of the aspects are rather glossed over. It seems that not enough attention is given to other important elements or events.

Despite this drawback, the book still has its merits and is worth the read. Churchill's story is captivating, and it provides valuable insights into his life and leadership.

Even though the coverage of other areas may be lacking, the overall narrative is engaging enough to keep the reader interested. It serves as a starting point for further exploration of the subject matter.

Perhaps in future editions, the author could expand on the neglected areas to provide a more comprehensive and well-rounded account.

The Churchill Foundation offers recommended reading that can be truly enriching.

These recommended books cover a wide range of topics and provide valuable insights.

Whether it's about history, politics, leadership, or other aspects, the selections are carefully curated.

By delving into these recommended readings, one can gain a deeper understanding of various subjects and expand their knowledge.

It's a great opportunity to explore different perspectives and learn from the wisdom and experiences shared in these books.

The Churchill Foundation's recommended reading list serves as a valuable resource for those who are eager to learn and grow.

It can inspire new ideas, spark discussions, and contribute to personal and intellectual development.

So, don't miss out on the chance to explore the recommended reading from the Churchill Foundation and embark on a journey of knowledge and discovery.

I have been completely captivated by all three volumes of this truly stunning series. It is a work that I not only plan to read again but also intend to use as valuable references.

The author's approach of highlighting key personalities and developing their characters within the context of their respective time periods is simply brilliant. This method makes the writing feel personal, as if we are getting an intimate glimpse into the lives and minds of these individuals.

Moreover, it adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the story, making it truly riveting. The characters come alive on the page, and their struggles, triumphs, and relationships draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish.

Overall, this series is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-written historical fiction that combines engaging storytelling with meticulous research and character development.

Fascinating book!

Schama's History delves deep into what he believes to be of utmost importance. His profiles of Orwell and Churchill are, in my view, essential reading for anyone desiring to understand the history of the 21st Century. I have perused numerous books on Churchill and a few on Orwell. If one aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of both and the significance they hold, they need look no further than to read this, the third volume in his series on "A History of Britain".

Brilliant and insightful minds such as Churchill and Orwell are no longer with us, and the leadership and intellectual void has never been more palpable than it is today.

His DVD series is definitely worth exploring as well, particularly the "Two Winstons" segment. It offers a unique perspective and further enriches one's knowledge of these remarkable figures and the historical context in which they lived.

Overall, Schama's work is a valuable contribution to the field of history and provides readers and viewers alike with a thought-provoking and engaging experience.