A History of Modern Britain

By: Andrew Marr

Narrated by: David Timson

Length: 29 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

A History of Modern Britain confronts head-on the victory of shopping over politics. It tells the story of how the great political visions of New Jerusalem or a second Elizabethan Age, rival idealisms, came to be defeated by a culture of consumerism, celebrity and self-gratification.

In each decade political leaders think they know what they are doing but find themselves confounded. Every time the British people turn out to be stroppier and harder to herd than predicted.

Throughout, Britain is a country on the edge - first of invasion, then of bankruptcy, then on the vulnerable front line of the Cold War and later in the forefront of the great opening up of capital and migration now reshaping the world.

This history follows all the political and economic stories but deals too with comedy, cars, the war against homosexuals, '60s anarchists, oil men and punks, Margaret Thatcher's wonderful good luck, political lies and the true heroes of British theatre.

©2009 Andrew Marr (P)2016 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic Reviews

"Superb, colourful, outspoken, fresh and richly entertaining. Don't miss." ( The Times)
"Lively, full of rich anecdotes and sparkling pen portraits. He has the rare gift of being able to explain complex issues in a few crisp sentences." ( Sunday Telegraph)

Masterful in focus, pace, content, performance

I have gone back over postwar USA history lately through several books, and this British one is a great match. In audio, I always look for a balance between good sharp telling detail, listenable pace and style, well-etched personality portraits, and good narrator performance. This one hit the mark perfectly, all the way through. The narrator has a great gift (at the top of any I've ever heard) for lending enough clarity, unflagging energy and punch to keep the listener's attention bright. I feel most all the gaps in my sketchy knowledge are filled, and I feel as if I was living through each phase of these times. The experiences of all members of society are touched on when fitting, though the focus is naturally much more on the top political decision makers. Of the latter, the portrayals are fantastic. Foibles and scandals are explained, though not for voyeurism's sake, and only when they count for something. There is enough popular culture to lend color to it all -- just enough to enrich, to add dimensions, and not distract. The publisher's blurb hardly does justice to the wide sweep and discipline of the storytelling. Yes, a transition toward a "shopping"-biased political economy is one thread here, but there is a vastly rich tapestry besides. For its length, this one has held my attention best of any I can recall. And I listen to hundreds. For the most recent Brit story, I see other titles I will now pursue confidently, with the very solid background I gained here.

Great Storytelling with few minor problems

Marr has written a great and thorough history of modern Britain. You do strongly feel the authors own sentiments coming through, and his at times out dated perspectives on gender issues and technology can be a bit distracting, but generally the book is informative and charmingly written.

The narrator is great, but it is a problem that it is not clear in a history book when what is being read is the authors own words or a quote that would have been clearly marked in the paper version.

Engrossing account of Modern Britain.

This is the story of my life. After listening I understand much more what was going on. Familiar names and events are put into perspective; surprising revelations abound. Humorous and deadly serious. Humane and balanced in its judgements. Andrew Marr has synthesised a very involving text from a mountain of sources. David Timson is the perfect reader. combining gravitas and bounce. Marr's typical tone.

fantastic listen

this was a very entertaining interesting and educational listen. great insight into the recent past..well read excellent

well informed

very informative.
It jumps about a bit from era to era but all in all very well informed.

Well presented and informative

Packed full of interesting anecdotes and insights into Britain's recent past, and woven together in a compelling way. It is a long listen, but a rewarding one.

Excellent

Informative, in depth insight into britains modern history. Marr is a great and clever author.

Pathetic

Don't bother downloading this drivel, classic little minded beat yourself up attitude of Marr. Utter rubbish

Very good

Excellent weaving together of Britain's history, and well told. How about a follow up, Andrew?

Engrossing book and super narration

it's a great overview! Thoroughly enjoyable account of the 20th Century by this terrific author.

Fascinating and well researched

A rewarding run through the history of Britain. Well narrated and continuously interesting. Was a fan of Andrew Marr as a journalist, now know he makes a great author as well.