brentmayberry's review against another edition
3.0
In under 800 pages, Fraser covers the history of the British Isles from Roman times to the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002. This is impressive. However, Fraser's way (presumably the British way) of narrating is frustrating. This American dummy had to re-read more than a few passages thanks to a lack of punctuation. Commas are your friends, Ms. Fraser! Set off those parenthetical phrases and relative clauses so we can understand what you're saying.
Also, I had to trust Ms. Fraser to tell me accurately what happened, but when she says that the Soviet Union put a man into space in 1957 with Sputnik (uh, no), she loses credibility.
Also, I had to trust Ms. Fraser to tell me accurately what happened, but when she says that the Soviet Union put a man into space in 1957 with Sputnik (uh, no), she loses credibility.
alexandraidonea's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it mostly before bed at night over the course of about a year and a half. It was a nice end to my day, being both educational and amusing. The author's narrative was usually gripping, but I was surprised that it was more of a political history than anything else. The good part was that social history was interwoven so I never felt too removed from everything going on for people besides the big names. Most interesting was the presentation of the American Revolution, as I've never read about it from a British point of view before. This has definitely made me hungry for more British history, and not only the medieval and Elizabethan that I have been previously fond of.
avoryfaucette's review against another edition
5.0
I thought the Story of Britain was a fabulous, comprehensive history, reminding me of what I loved about the study of history as an undergraduate. Though my personal interest is social history, so I didn't always follow or enjoy the political stuff, I liked how Fraser made this book something to everyone. It's a good, intelligent narrative that weaves together little stories about politics, war, social history, religion, the lives of the monarchy, and technology. Nothing is covered so exhaustively as to get bored - I was especially happy that we didn't spend thirty pages in the WWI trenches - and she miraculously manages to keep the book moving through 785 pages, covering Roman Britain all the way to 2002.
franfernandezarce's review against another edition
4.0
although i haven´t found yet what i would consider the perfect history book on britain, this would be my closest pick.
having read around 850 pages, i can conclude this book has one big strength and one big flaw. its strength is the author's ability to summarise large chunks of information in a couple of sentences, leaving only what she probably considered were the most important facts. its biggest flaw is no one's fault but my own, assuming by some silly misconception that, because this book was written by a woman, it would give a greater sense of protagonism to some historical female figures that tend to be overlooked with time. yet, this preconception of mine--and its subsequent failure within the text--can only be my fault for the book never says it is a feminist story of britain. i just assumed things and, in the end, i was a tiny bit disappointed.
nonetheless, for anyone looking for an extensive (but comprehensive) read unto the story of england, i would absolutely recommend this in a heartbeat.
having read around 850 pages, i can conclude this book has one big strength and one big flaw. its strength is the author's ability to summarise large chunks of information in a couple of sentences, leaving only what she probably considered were the most important facts. its biggest flaw is no one's fault but my own, assuming by some silly misconception that, because this book was written by a woman, it would give a greater sense of protagonism to some historical female figures that tend to be overlooked with time. yet, this preconception of mine--and its subsequent failure within the text--can only be my fault for the book never says it is a feminist story of britain. i just assumed things and, in the end, i was a tiny bit disappointed.
nonetheless, for anyone looking for an extensive (but comprehensive) read unto the story of england, i would absolutely recommend this in a heartbeat.
lukre's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really good and interesting until perhaps the last 100 pages when Fraser decided that she would abandon all the structured writing she had employed so far and just do an association game.
A perfect example is her discussion of the Northern Irish question late 80s begining of 90s of the last century - she begins good, and then just stops in the middle of the action - Thatcher's mentor being blown up at the Commons parking lot. She then talks about everything else under the sun for some 10 pages, to finish Thatcher's tale by returning to the Northern Irish question, again out of the blue! This makes the last chapter VERY difficult to follow. So yeah, perhaps again I would give this a half star so the grade would be 3.5 and not a full 4.
A perfect example is her discussion of the Northern Irish question late 80s begining of 90s of the last century - she begins good, and then just stops in the middle of the action - Thatcher's mentor being blown up at the Commons parking lot. She then talks about everything else under the sun for some 10 pages, to finish Thatcher's tale by returning to the Northern Irish question, again out of the blue! This makes the last chapter VERY difficult to follow. So yeah, perhaps again I would give this a half star so the grade would be 3.5 and not a full 4.
brien_k's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. I chose to read it to prepare for my trip to England over the winter break. Well-written and presents a lot of interesting information. Very long...lots of information to cover!
alexandraidonea's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it mostly before bed at night over the course of about a year and a half. It was a nice end to my day, being both educational and amusing. The author's narrative was usually gripping, but I was surprised that it was more of a political history than anything else. The good part was that social history was interwoven so I never felt too removed from everything going on for people besides the big names. Most interesting was the presentation of the American Revolution, as I've never read about it from a British point of view before. This has definitely made me hungry for more British history, and not only the medieval and Elizabethan that I have been previously fond of.
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