The British Isles: A History of Four Nations

Hugh Kearney argues that the history of the British Isles can not be properly understood by simply considering a single 'national' interpretation. The first five chapters of his book consider Celtic society, the Roman invasion, post-Roman centuries, Viking settlements and the Norman invasion - all within the context of the British Isles. The later chapters continue with the same approach, and bring a fresh perspective on well known events such as the 'English' civil war, the various Acts of Union (Wales in 1536, Scotland in 1707, and Ireland in 1800), the formation of the Irish Free State and the two world wars.