As a history fan, this was truly a great read. It was like a captivating journey through time that held my interest from start to finish.

What made it even more special was that it was just right for my short attention span. In a world filled with distractions, it can be challenging to find something that can keep me engaged for an extended period. However, this piece managed to do just that.

It presented historical facts and events in a concise and yet engaging manner, making it easy for me to absorb and understand. The author's writing style was accessible and enjoyable, which added to the overall appeal of the article.

Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking for an interesting read, I highly recommend giving this article a try. It might just surprise you and open your eyes to a whole new world of historical knowledge.

Two things draw me again and again to Mr. Schama's works.

Firstly, the wit and elegance that characterizes so much of his writings. His words seem to dance on the page, captivating the reader with their charm and intelligence.

Secondly, the intimacy and balance which he honors his subjects with. He manages to bring them to life in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just historical figures.

This was a period of history that I knew relatively little about. So it is a delight to read a book that delves so deeply, so boldly into events and people that I really knew so little about. Mr. Schama's research is thorough and his writing is engaging, making it easy for the reader to follow along and learn.

I am also very appreciative that Mr. Schama is honest about the mistakes and triumphs of the history of the nation. He does not shy away from the difficult or controversial topics, but instead presents them in a balanced and objective way. I know of plenty of historians who would be quick to gloss over a mistake or failure, and it is nice to see that he does not. And of course, the balanced, realistic depiction he highlights for everyone from Victoria to George Orwell is a delight in and of itself. It gives the reader a more complete and nuanced understanding of these important figures and the times in which they lived.

Overall, I highly recommend Mr. Schama's works to anyone interested in history. His writing is engaging, his research is thorough, and his perspective is unique. He has a real talent for bringing history to life and making it accessible to a wide audience.

A Sometimes Negative Version of History

History is often presented in different lights. There is a sometimes negative version of history that exists. It may not be the most pleasant or flattering account, but it is one that cannot be ignored. This version of history may focus on the mistakes, failures, and tragedies that have occurred throughout time. It may highlight the actions of individuals or groups that had a negative impact on society. However, despite its negative nature, this version of history is well read. People are curious to learn about the darker side of the past, perhaps in an effort to understand how things went wrong and to prevent similar mistakes from being made in the future. By studying this sometimes negative version of history, we can gain valuable insights and perspectives that can help us to make better decisions in the present and shape a more positive future.

3.5 stars actually.

This volume is more readable than the previous two, likely due to the more familiar material. This compensates for the very broad sweep and the occasionally odd choice of viewpoint, such as focusing on poets and writers in this one.

However, there are some factual errors. For example, the Spanish POUM of George Orwell fame were communists, not anarchists. Also, Operation Torch was the invasion of North Africa, not Italy.

There are also some questionable opinions. Churchill is mildly criticised for advocating that the Royal Navy's ships be run on oil rather than coal in 1914, which supposedly condemned Britain to a dependence on Middle Eastern oil. But in fact, oil-fuelled ships were faster and had a longer range, and coal-fuelled ships were still dependent on vulnerable coaling stations. Moreover, a motorised army and air force would also need oil as coal-fuelled aeroplanes were rather impractical.

And a section on British "butcher" generals of WWI names Haig (obviously) and Sir Henry Wilson. However, while there are reasons to view Wilson's contribution to WWI as somewhat unfortunate for Britain, his brief spell as GOC IV Corps is hardly the most significant. There were far worse butchers and blunderers than him, such as Haking, Hunter-Weston, French, Gough, Mahon, and Stopford (continued on page 94).

So, generally, it is a good read but sometimes a bit lacking in detail.