A History of Britain

1945 to Brexit

By: Jeremy Black

Narrated by: Simon Barber

Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

"A journey through the events of the postwar years that makes the outcome of Britain’s Brexit referendum much easier to comprehend.” (Julian Lewis, member of Parliament).

In 2016, Britain stunned itself and the world by voting to pull out of the European Union, leaving financial markets reeling and global politicians and citizens in shock. But was Brexit really a surprise, or are there clues in Britain’s history that pointed to this moment? In A History of Britain: 1945 to Brexit, award-winning historian Jeremy Black reexamines modern British history, considering the social changes, economic strains, and cultural and political upheavals that brought Britain to Brexit.

This sweeping and engaging book traces Britain’s path through the destruction left behind by World War II, Thatcherism, the threats of the IRA, the Scottish referendum, and on to the impact of waves of immigrants from the European Union. Along the way, Black overturns many conventional interpretations of significant historical events, provides context for current developments, and encourages the listener to question why we think the way we do about Britain’s past.

The book is published by Indiana University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"Jeremy Black is a superlative guide to modern British history." (Michael Gove, member of parliament of the United Kingdom)

"Professor Black demonstrates an enviable ability to communicate the most complex events incisively and economically." (Julian Lewis, member of parliament of the United Kingdom, chairman, House of Commons Defense Committee)

©2017 Jeremey Black (P)2020 Redwood Audiobooks

Makes Clear How Brexit had to Happen

A fascinating and wide-ranging history of the UK from 1945 to 2016 that provides a wide-ranging and deep account of how Britain drifted toward Brexit. Author Jeremy Black doesn't bully the listener into accepting a specific explanation. But he provides all the necessary information to conclude that the failure of the political, economic and trade union elites, to adjust to the end of empire, globalization and entry into Europe, shredded traditional society, leaving many adrift, hopeless. and ready in 2016 to vote for change. Simon Barber's narration deftly navigates the sometimes dense text and conveys the author's voice with clarity and ease. I highly recommend this book not only to understand Brexit UK but also trends active in the US as well.

Nonsense

Less a history of Britain than a surreal, rambling, right wing rant. Unquestionably the worst historical account I have read/heard.