A Brief History of Britain 1485-1660

Brief Histories

By: Ronald Hutton

Narrated by: Roger Davis

From the death of Richard III on Bosworth Field in 1485 to the execution of Charles I, after the Civil Wars of 1642-48, England was transformed by two Dynasties. Firstly the Tudors, who won the crown on the battlefield and changed both the nature of kingship but also the nation itself. England became a Protestant nation and began to establishment itself as a trading power; facing down impossible odds it defeated its enemies on land and sea. Yet after a century Elizabeth I died with no heir and the crown was passed to the Stuarts, who were keen to remould the kingdom in their own image.

Leading Historian, Ronald Hutton brilliantly recreates the political landscape over this early modern period and shows how the modern nation was forged in these anxious, transformative years. Combining skilful pen portraits of the leading figures, culture, economics and accounts of everyday life, he reveals insights in this key era in our nation's story.

This the second book in the four volume Brief History of Britain which brings together some of the leading historians to tell our nation’s story from the Norman Conquest of 1066 to the present-day. Combining the latest research with accessible and entertaining story telling, it is the ideal introduction for students and general readers.

©2012 Ronald Hutton (P)2012 Audible Ltd

Broad View

I'm not a historian but read and listen to a lot of books on history - mainly European and especially British. For me this book helped as a review and reminder of events which is always useful for retaining the information. The book served as review while feeling really fresh and interesting and went at a good pace. I also enjoyed Hutton's references to the way history is written and understood in different ages.

Revised opinion: better than my previous rating

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, but only if the friend already has a real interest in history. However, after listening to parts of it again (James I onward), I appreciated the clarity and have revised my rating upward.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
The reading was a bit dull; the voice is too deep for my taste, but that is of course personal. 2022: my impression appears to be more favorable than in 2013. I found it easy to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Probably not. But I did want to continue listening most of the time.

Any additional comments?
To me, the best thing about this book are the references to recent scholarship and research. It is extremely interesting and important to have an idea of how views of particular subjects and periods have evolved.
2022: I wanted to review the period 1603-1660 and felt quite satisfied listening to this part again.

My go-to listen to understand history of Britain

I listen to a lot of British history titles but this is so far my favorite. It's very detailed but never boring. The companion audiobook, compassing earlier periods 1066-1485 is of the same superb quality.

excellent history, balanced perspective

This is a superb history of the momentous era from before Henry VIII to after Elizabeth. The author also presents other historians' views, which changed sometimes dramatically over time based on the latest scholarship and trends. Religion and finance (economy) are two important areas that benefit greatly from balanced perspectives. This clear combination of current and historical scholarship is very interesting and helps the reader understand also how history is analyzed.

Interesting and engaging

There's not much about on the Tudors and English Civil War - this covers both: Brings us up to date with historical thinking; tells the story of each monarch, and I was left feeling invigorated, engaged, and edified!