A History of Britain, Volume 1

At the Edge of the World, 3000 B.C. - 1603 A.D.

By: Simon Schama

Narrated by: Timothy West

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In this, the first volume of an epic history of Britain, one of the most popular and celebrated historians of our day brings the birth and growth of a nation to dramatic life with a wealth of compelling stories and vivid detail.

Simon Schama's narrative moves from the early tribes and invasions of the British isles to the Norman Conquest; through the religious wars and turbulence of the Middle Ages to the sovereignties of Henry II, Richard I, and King John; through the outbreak of the Black Death, which destroyed nearly half of Europe's population; through the reign of Edward I and the growth of national identity in Wales and Scotland; to the turbulent religious and dynastic conflicts of the Tudor age, culminating in the glorious reign of Elizabeth I. The theme of change - sometimes gentle and subtle, sometimes shocking and violent - emerges as the narrative's most powerful dynamic change that washes over custom and habit, transforming loyalties and boundaries.

A History of Britain also poses questions that have universal timeless resonance. What makes or breaks a nation? To whom do you give your allegiance and why? Where do the roots of your community lie - in your hearth and home, your village or city, your tribe, your faith? And, finally, what is Britain? One country or many, one culture or several? This is a touchstone for the present that reintroduces you to the past with stunning energy and clarity.

This is Volume 1 of A History of Britain. Don't miss Volume 2.

Don't miss Simon Schama, Clive James, Bernard-Henri Levy, and Anna Deavere Smith talking about art and politics at The New Yorker Festival.

©2000 Simon Schama (P)2000 BBC Worldwide

Critic reviews

• Nominee for Audio Publishers Association 2001 Audie Award, Audio, Licensed or Distributed

Potent and compelling. (AudioFile)

A brief but enjoyable history

British history isn't something I learned in school but have always found fascinating. I picked this up shortly before a trip to London for a quick background for sight seeing. It did not disappoint.

The history itself is plainly represented by the narrator, who is not particularly memorable but is neither distracting. Be aware that this is an abridged version. It runs quickly through history and before you know it, the narrator has covered an entire century! My primary complaint about this book is that it is too short. Many of the subtle context that is necessary to understand why particular events occurred are missing. But it gives enough fact to surmise.

If you're looking for a quick and easy guide through British history, I'd completely recommend this book -- it is an easy listen and very informative (especially to the layperson). But without a supplemental text, chances are you will be left wanting more.

Good overview

British history is very dense, and Schama does a great job of weaving the story together through pertinent events that ultimately unfurl into momentous changes for the country.

Schama is a very good writer, and keeps the audience in mind. This volume is less an exhaustive history than a view into a country at a particular period of time. He stops the clock often to "show" rather than "tell", which makes for a great listening experience.

Great sleeping book!

Got audible to help my insomnia. Turned the reading speed down and the soporific sound put me fast asleep
Took me 3 months to finish

West is the best

Schama has given us an exhilarating history of Britain. But the reading of this series, by Timothy West, may well be the finest reading ever recorded.

Loved it!

This book got me hooked on Audible. It was my complimentary download courtesy The History of Rome podcast. Mike recommended it and I think I'll just take his recommendations from here on out. The narration was compelling, particularly when portraying the thoughts of the common soldiers in anticipation of the Battle of Hastings. My biggest complaint: it ended abruptly at the reign of Elizabeth. I want more!

false advertising

The sample is the author narrating the introduction. I was very disappointed when a stuffy gent took over the rest of the narration. The content, however, overcomes the boring narration.

A triumph, all of the way round

This is an excellent survey of British history. It is read well, organized well, contains interesting content made interesting (good writing), and is sufficiently tantalizing to help the reader identify stories about which he/she would be interested in learning more. A trip to the library is recommended in those cases, since there is plenty written on these subjects.

Fun listen

Fun listen that ends with the close of Elizabeth's reign. Good context for Wolf Hall! Have to pay attention to all the names though.

Excellent and interesting

The book proved to be very interesting and quite detailed in its telling of early British history. Its focus stays squarely on England (its Kings, politics, and religious conflicts) and does not deviate for a broader view of Europe. The whole series is a must listen to book.

Britian As You Never Knew It

This is a captivating book about Early Britian that makes the hours in your car just melt away. The History of Britian is excellently written and read. The only other thing that would have made the book better is if the author himself would have read it--He has a mezmorizing voice that just sucks you right into these events--That said, this book goes far in illustrating the events of early Britian to the reader. (The video series is also great but discusses everything in much less detail.)