• A History of Britain, Volume 1

  • At the Edge of the World, 3000 BC - AD 1603
  • By: Simon Schama
  • Narrated by: Timothy West
  • Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (62 ratings)

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A History of Britain, Volume 1  By  cover art

A History of Britain, Volume 1

By: Simon Schama
Narrated by: Timothy West
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Publisher's summary

To look back at the past is to understand the present. In this vivid account of over 4,000 years of British history, Simon Schama takes us on an epic journey which encompasses the very beginnings of the nation's identity, when the first settlers landed on Orkney.

From the successes and failures of the monarchy to the daily life of a Roman soldier stationed on Hadrian's Wall, Schama gives a vivid, fascinating account of the many different stories and struggles that lie behind the growth of our island nation.

Simon Schama's hugely successful BBC2 series has shown him to be one of the most original and exciting historians. Timothy West's abridged reading of the book bears further testimony to Schama's extraordinary gift for story-telling.

This is Volume 1 of A History of Britain. Don't miss Volume 2 and Volume 3.
©2014 Audible, Inc. (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
  • Abridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about A History of Britain, Volume 1

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Best History of Britain Ever Written

No Contest. Pithy and full of original insight. I learnt more from this than my entire history degree.

Timothy West is a gorgeous narrator.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A favourite entry in my audio library

Any additional comments?

This series is one of my favourite audio series in my library. I regularly rotate audio books out of my iPod Touch library to make room for other audiobooks, but this series always stays. The narrator's tone aligns wonderfully with the author's writing style. This series meets my expectations perfectly - there's a lot of history to cover so of course the author had to be choosy regarding what to emphasize. If one of his intentions was to spark the reader/listener's interest and use this series as a jumping-off point for our own explorations into specific periods of history, then the author was successful. I have absolutely no regrets at all about purchasing this audio series. Both the narrator and the author are excellent story-tellers.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

This series is marvellous

History come vividly alive, with people and events throughly analysed and colourfully, masterfully explained. The narration is excellent too. Not to be missed.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good brief history of Britain

British history is vast and it's rare to find a book like this. It covers the main events in enough detail to see into the factors at play behind the events. Example: The author presents the idea that the plague was in part the cause of the Reformation. During the plague, priests became so rare, that the church allowed anyone (even women) to give last rites. This planted the notion that priests were perhaps optional; maybe one could even read the Bible oneself!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Great

A little hard going in the car, but a very good listen. You may have to back it up with the book, but its abridged.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

too abridged

Nicely read but way too abridged. It would be better to read this book in print.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

rule britannia

Superb. Don't let the intro throw you...the book is absolutely great. It made my garden chores fly by !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent!

Outstanding! I learnt more listening to this book that I had learnt in years of history lessons at all level's! Not just for history buff's but for anyone English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish!

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