Any great overviews of Great Britain History?

[nestof3]

I'm looing for an historical overview of Great Britain in text format.

Do you have any suggestions?

[Laura Corin]

I'm looing for an historical overview of Great Britain in text format.

Do you have any suggestions?

For the youngers I would recommend Our Island Story/An Island Story by Marshall. It doesn't come up to the present day but it's well written for that age group. For your older, as an overview, I'd recommend The Young Oxford History of Britain and Ireland - it's written at a middle school level, but would work as a brief look. For you, or for a more in-depth look for your elder - Rebecca Fraser's book is fine. In Britain I think it's called The Story of Britain, but in the US it might have another title.

Laura

[nestof3]

Thanks Laura!

My 8 year old is currently listening to Our Island Story - Volume 1. I need to download the second volume, but now he's back to SOTW Volume 2.

I was looking for something for my 17 year old who has studied Great Britain to some extent already -- through some research papers, much delving into Pre-Roman and Roman Britain, and an almost obsession with World War II Britain (including watching the Teaching Company's Churchill DVD set). He has also watched several BBC and A&E documentaries and read many G A Henty related to Britain. He also loves Celtic music and has begun playing the penny whistle! LOL

I was hoping to offer him something to round out these studies with a great overview for a credit of History and Culture of Britain.

Last year he researched and documented or presented information on religion and government of Britain, Pre-Christian Britain, Churchill, and a few other topics.

He also memorized The Charge of the Light Brigade and wrote his own poem in similar ballad fashion about England's involvement in World War II.

[Laura Corin]

The Fraser might work. If he wants to go more in depth, then the three-volume Simon Schama history might be good.

Best wishes

Laura

[Mama Lynx]

Churchill's "History of the English-Speaking Peoples."

[nestof3]

Thanks! He said he wanted to read one of Churchill's but wasn't sure which one to choose.

[Lorna]

For more of an encyclopaedic overview of British History I would recommend:
'When It Happened' by George Chamier 'A very short history of Britain in dates, including the most important kings and queens, the major battles and other great events'. It is an easy to look up reference book aimed at older children/ adults (although this ease does mean it doesn't go into great detail).
I really like the The Kingfisher Children's Encyclopedia Of British History (http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/WEBSITE/WWW/WEBPAGES/showbook.php?id=075341189X) for a colourful overview too.
If your son is interested in a detailed account I would second the Rebecca Fraser book. It is a fascinating read and very much suited to a maturer audience.

[LisaNY]

I really like Fraser's History of Britain. Its narrative format has just the right blend of factual/personal information.

[Lizzie in Ma]

And thought I might use it for dd in high school. In the meantime, we are using Our Island Story as a read aloud and very much enjoying it.

[Kendall]

I personally enjoyed reading back and forth between Fraser's book and Churchills (I used the 4 volume set). I didn't get to keep this up for long but I liked both and seeing what one mentioned that the other didn't. We went with Churchill's because we owned it and could also check out copies from 2 libraries giving us all one. You could have him try both for a while and choose which he likes best.

[Laurel-in-CA]

"1066 and All That" is a guide that my mom got before my parents' big anniversary trip to Britain. Might be a fun supplement.

[Beth in Central TX]

I purchased this set from Barnes & Noble last summer. I've been reading through The Birth of Britain, and I'm really enjoying it. Time permitting, I would like to read this series aloud to my boys; hopefully, it will happen this summer.

[Laura Corin]

"1066 and All That" is a guide that my mom got before my parents' big anniversary trip to Britain. Might be a fun supplement.

So long as your child can take it all with a pinch of salt....

Laura