A People's History of Britain

by Rebecca Fraser

Combining compelling narrative history with helpful chronology, A People's History of Britain tells the story - from the Romans to the present day - of the small northern islands off the coast of Europe which became the world's largest empire. Full of kings, queens and battles and the heroic individuals who created turning points in history, it is packed with anecdotes about British scientists, explorers, soldiers, traders, writers and artists.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

456 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rebecca Fraser has worked as a researcher, an editor, and a journalist, and has written for many publications, including Tatler, Vogue, The Times, and The Spectator. She is a former president of the Bronte Society. She is the author of the introductions to the Everyman's Library editions of Shirley and The Professor. She is the author of Charlotte Brontë and lives in England.

Reviews

[Wilson Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 785 page textbook on the history of Great Britain beginning at 55 B.C. and told from a British perspective. I chose this book over the other British history books because it was the only one that had the label "Not for export outside of Great Britain" on it.

A radically different history from that of American history (obviously) and with fundamentally different lessons. Rather than the naive American belief that good always triumphs over evil, we see many occasions of ruthlessness and dishonesty winning the day. Instead of the American belief that everyone should be treated equally, we see that rules and behaviors of royal members are radically different than that of their subjects and serfs/slaves.

Treatment of the United States in this history book comes across analogous to a father who is reluctantly proud of his rebellious son's success. The section on World War II was the most fascinating for me because of the striking contrast with the American perspective. The United States is relegated to a supporting role as can be seen in the following quote - "America, by helping to finance the war, had given Churchill the tools he had asked for 'to finish the job', and the British had at last finished it."

I recommend this book to everyone except for Irish-Americans and Irish citizens who would probably be infuriated over the condescending tone taken towards them in the book.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, addictive story of one of the most influential nations in history.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This was a very enjoyable read covering the main points of British history up to early 2000s . Well done

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Run of the mill conservative dribble. Propaganda as history. Very dull.

[Cindi Hofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and concise history with additional reading list for detail.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its all here, nothing much to add, except that this author doesnt get weighed down but myers and myers of uninteresting facts!

[Jonathan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

British history told for the exciting story it is

[Paddy McKeating · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must-have for any History teacher. Great little facts to hook pupils attention for every era.