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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Read this book because my general history knowledge is appalling to say the least. However, I didn't enjoy the book at all, and didn't really learn anything.
I felt like everything was rushed through, so I wasn't able to take anything in. It appeared that the only way I'd be able to understand the events would be if I knew a bit about them beforehand which I clearly haven't otherwise I wouldn't need to read the book! Of course it is advertised as a "short" history so I should not be complaining - the book did as it said it would on the cover! - but I would have liked a more in depth explanation.
Of course, the main theme is politics because it is an integral part of history, however it is something which I have little interest in and don't really understand anyway, so I didn't have much hope of comprehending the book in the first place!
Conclusively, I thought this book would be a lot different to how it actually was, that doesn't mean to say it was a bad book, however I found it a confusing read.
I felt like everything was rushed through, so I wasn't able to take anything in. It appeared that the only way I'd be able to understand the events would be if I knew a bit about them beforehand which I clearly haven't otherwise I wouldn't need to read the book! Of course it is advertised as a "short" history so I should not be complaining - the book did as it said it would on the cover! - but I would have liked a more in depth explanation.
Of course, the main theme is politics because it is an integral part of history, however it is something which I have little interest in and don't really understand anyway, so I didn't have much hope of comprehending the book in the first place!
Conclusively, I thought this book would be a lot different to how it actually was, that doesn't mean to say it was a bad book, however I found it a confusing read.
informative
slow-paced
3* for providing a (much needed) chronology of english history.
2* for being overly focused on elite and political histories with little regard for everyday life
(2 and a half ⭐️)
2* for being overly focused on elite and political histories with little regard for everyday life
(2 and a half ⭐️)
informative
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
informative
medium-paced
A great overview of English history. Enthusiastically told, noting key characters from our past, the famous battles we won/lost and key events that made us who we are today. From the collapse of the Romans to the 21st century, this book captures the English and their country’s evolution with precision.
Is one of the more digestable recaps of British history. It was a good read and I enjoyed it but its authors opinions were obvious.
Should really be "a short history of English monarchs", was a bit disappointed it really didn't go into any social shifts of the nation, although I know this is hard to do in a condensed way.
I feel like Jenkins is an old school, traditionalist historian; he peddles a 20th century generational narrative of the monarchs which is often kind and nobling... we all know a great deal of these leaders were awful at what the did and inflicted a tonne of suffering and death on their people.
I feel like Jenkins is an old school, traditionalist historian; he peddles a 20th century generational narrative of the monarchs which is often kind and nobling... we all know a great deal of these leaders were awful at what the did and inflicted a tonne of suffering and death on their people.
informative
slow-paced