An Utterly Readable History of Britain (An Utterly Impartial History of Britain or 2000 Years of Upper-class Idiots in Charge - John O'Farrell)

Member Name: JFennemore

Product:	An Utterly Impartial History of Britain or 2000 Years of Upper-class Idiots in Charge - John O'Farrell
Date:	23/06/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Light, humourous, informative.

Disadvantages: Back cover does not do it justice.

The monumental task of condensing the entirity of British civilised history into one entirely readable and humourous volume must have seemed like a daunting task to John o' Farrel when he set about writing his 'Utterly Impartial History of Britain. However, not only did he succeed in this task, but he was written what is probably the most accessible account of Britain's history ever written. Sure, purists looking for a deep analysis of history will be disappointed, but o' Farrell combines fact with glorious snippets of humour to boot. Footnotes are helpfully supplied giving more little nuggets of information, and one cannot help smile as you journey with o' Farrel from Ancient and Roman Britain, to the World Wars. The book is also not only split up into 9 eras of British history, but also small, easily readable sections within those timeframes. Unlike many 'humourous' books, o' Farrell does not get so hung up on his own witticisms that he forgetts his overiding purpose to inform. A textbook it is not - a very good read it is.

Summary: A satirical, easy to read History of Britain