looking for an overview of British History

[Nicole M]

Has anyone read The story of Britain : from the Romans to the present : a narrative history by Rebecca Fraser? I was looking for something a bit shorter than Churchill's set of four books -- and this has 800 pages, so I'm thinkin' it's not that short.... But the "narrative" part attracted me.

So yes, brief, readable -- any anglophiles out there? What would you recommend? This is for a 16yo boy who is just starting Lightning Lit British Medieval Literature. We do have 1066, the year of the conquest by David Armine Howarth, and we're looking forward to it. But we'd like to cover the other years, too!

Thanks!

[Hoggirl]

This would be below reading level, so would be a quick and easy read. It is definitely "narrative."

[Laura Corin]

Has anyone read The story of Britain : from the Romans to the present : a narrative history by Rebecca Fraser? I was looking for something a bit shorter than Churchill's set of four books -- and this has 800 pages, so I'm thinkin' it's not that short.... But the "narrative" part attracted me.

If you want a background that would be easier reading, The Young Oxford History of Britain and Ireland (http://www.amazon.com/Young-Oxford-History-Britain-Ireland/dp/0199100357/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203219691&sr=8-2) is designed for middle/high schoolers and is readable. There's another book by similar authors which might be a new edition - I haven't seen it, but you can have a look at it here (http://www.amazon.com/History-Britain-Ireland-Kenneth-Morgan/dp/0199112517/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203219691&sr=8-1).

Laura

[chelsea in TN]

You might want to consider " So You Really Want to Learn History" Series from galore park pub. in the UK. We have book 1 - I have read the first few chapters. Seems very interesting.

We are planning on using this book plus possibly the other books in the series for middle ages study next year. My son will be in 10th grade. We are also using Spegeilveil (sp) Western Civ.

If you want British history - who better to learn it from than a British publisher??

From their Website: http://www.galorepark.co.uk


So you really want to learn History Book 1.The first book in the new Galore Park History course covers the Key Stage 3 topic of Britain 1066 - 1500. Designed to be used over one or two years, this ISEB-endorsed textbook features clear explanations followed by questions that will stretch pupils of all abilities. Edited by ISEB History Editorial Board member Niall Murphy and written by Chief Setter Bob Pace, So you really want to learn History 1 is the ideal textbook for all Key Stage 3 and Common Entrance History students.

[Laura Corin]

You might want to consider " So You Really Want to Learn History" Series from galore park pub. in the UK. We have book 1 - I have read the first few chapters. Seems very interesting.


It depends a bit about what level of depth you want to go into. I haven't seen the books, but Key Stage 3 in the UK is age 11 to 14, so you may or may not find the books to be the right level. It's definitely worth looking at the samples on the Galore Park site.

Best wishes

Laura

[Nicole M]

Laura, my library has the Oxford history, so I'll check that out. It looks very promising.

And Chelsea, the Galore Park history actually looks perfect for my younger son, who will be moving on to the middle ages next year. It looks like Ray at Horrible books has this available, so when my funds allow, I'll probably take the leap.

And finally, Our Island Story - I forget who suggested this - I wish our library had the audio version! It looks delightful, and seems like it would be a fun listen.

I sure appreciate your suggestions. Thank you.

[LisaNY]

I *love* the Rebecca Fraser book. I love its narrative style and attention to detail without being boring.

[Janie]

Did you know that historian Henry Commager wrote a one-volume abridgement to Churchill's History of the English-Speaking People?

It is 475 pages and very accessible. It is not rewritten, just abridged.

If you're interested, there are a few inexpensive copies still available here (http://www.amazon.com/Churchills-History-English-Speaking-Peoples-Commager/dp/0517422832) through Amazon.

[Nicole M]

I could not find that when I was searching Amazon. Plaid Dad had mentioned it, though. I got one for one buck (plus shipping)! Can't beat that with a stick, my dad would say....