The Story Of England

If someone is looking for a good, easily read, overview of English History, Christopher Hibbert is a logical choice. His 'The Story of England' is both entertaining and informative. However, if you already know something of English history, you will be amazed at the short shrift he gives to major events such as World War I & II, the Wars of the Roses, and some literary/social events that are certainly worth mentioning. Hibbert does well with the ancient history sections, and he does throw in great anecdotes on people and places that are accurate as well as fun to read. Hibbert also includes timelines and maps for both England and World history, and several royal family trees to pin down dates and people. For a beginning book on this subject, I would highly recommend it.

The same day I became engaged to my British boyfriend, we stopped by a bookstore and I found this book. Since I'm about to begin on a lifelong commitment to an Englishman, I thought it was only appropriate that I learn more about his country and cultural background. However, given the vastness of England's history, I felt overwhelmed: How could I possibly get a decent overall review of England's history without my head spinning in the process!?"The Story of England" was the perfect solution. Its condensed format, covering most of the major historical bases, was exactly what I'd been looking for. It provides just enough insight for me to have a good impression of where my betrothed and his family are from, but doesn't weigh me down with 5,000 years' worth of detail. I especially liked the timeline charts and genealogy listings in the back.However, I'm not giving it five stars, even though it is obviously well-researched and an ambitious effort. First, I agree with the other reviewers who have commented on the long-windedness of the author. (Perhaps it is a British English vs American English thing -- who knows?) Second, although the author touches on many different historical events, I felt that some should have received more attention -- maybe just a page or so. There were several times where I felt like the author stopped short of telling me the basic facts.All in all, this is a very good read. It is perfect for those of you who'd like to learn more about England's history and the events that help us understand how England has become the country it is today.

That might actually sum it up if not for the fact that there is actually a lot of research that went into this book and such a glib encapsulation does not do it justice. What is the purpose of the book. Mr Hibbert tells us. "It is intended as a generously illustrated introduction to the history of England for all those readers who have largely forgotten what they were taught at school, or whose history lessons touched upon only parts of the long periods covered here, as well as those looking for a readable book which will help to put the places they visit in their travels about the country into their historical context." Phew! THE STORY OF ENGLAND in very long sentences!I may have forgotten a lot of the English history I learned in school, and I am grateful for the colorful and interesting presentation of it here by Mr Hibbert. What I do remember from school though is that a sentence should be about 25 words long and a paragraph roughly 75. Here you will run into more than the occassional 75 word sentence! The book is gloriously illustrated with every page having at least one (usually full color) graphic, and the historical period covered is extensive - from Roman Britain to the present. There are chronological tables tracking significant British historical events, genealogical charts of the Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts and Hanoverians. The historical style is descriptive. Suitable for general readers; introductory college level English history. Concludes with the ascension to power of John Major in the 'palace coup' of 1990 when the conservatives found too much rust on the 'Iron Lady' and ousted her as party leader.

I read this book over the past weekend and found it so absorbing. Sure, this is an English history suitable for ones in a hurry but it's a very good one for that purpose. I like his narrative style and how he portrayed his subjects. He captured important persons and events in English history and put them together in a concise manner. You will be able to see a clear development of England through times - pretty quickly. The book's presentation is also nice. This is not a history book for serious readers or students majoring in history, I suppose. But it's good for general readers and those who are looking for an enjoyable history book to read. The reason that I'm giving it only 4-star is because I think in certain places, Mr. Hibbert could have elaborated a little bit more. Still, the book as it is, is simply very good. I'm going to buy more books written by Mr. Hibbert.

I read this book on the plane on my way to England in 1995. It is concise and very readable, excellent for anyone wishing to learn the English history in a hurry. Highly recommended.