Product Description

This is a unique account of the British Isles from pre-Roman times to the twentieth century, distinguished by its stress on the fact that English history forms only part of a wider 'history of four nations.' To ignore this wider dimension is to distort our view of the past and hinder our understanding of the present. Wide-ranging, the book transforms and challenges traditional accounts of what constitutes national history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #289884 in Books
• Published on: 1995-02-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Review
'Kearney's book should be widely used to educate those who think they know about British history when in fact they know only English history.' Christopher Hill, The New York Review of Books '... a book into which much labour and thought, much knowledge and wisdom has been packed, which contains in consequence much that is unexpected and fascinating'. Colin Welch, The Spectator ' ... a perceptive, challenging and, at times, provocative book ... Kearney not only offers a balanced outline instead of the usual English history in disguise, but ambitiously surveys 2000 years of British history in 250 pages.' Steven Ellis, History Today

Customer Reviews

A valuable perspective on the history of the British Isles.
Hugh Kearney argues that the history of the British Isles can not be properly understood by simply considering a single 'national' interpretation. The book covers Celtic society, the Roman invasion, Viking settlements, the Norman invasion, the English empire, the Industrial revolution and the growth of "ethnic politics". While interesting, it is not the easiest of books to read. This is a pity, because it gives a unique and valuable perspective on the history of the British Isles.