Unruly

The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens

De: David Mitchell

Narrado por: David Mitchell

INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER • A rollicking history of England’s kings and queens from Arthur to Elizabeth I, a tale of power, glory, and excessive beheadings by award-winning British actor and comedian David Mitchell

“Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell [is] a funny man and a skilled historian.”―The Times

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.

Taking us back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn’t exist), Mitchell tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It’s a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few Cnuts, as the English evolved from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.

How this happened, who it happened to, and why the hell it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history—and won’t let it off the hook for the mess it’s made.

A funny book that takes history seriously, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be—and who is to blame.

©2023 David Mitchell (P)2023 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Clever and amusing . . . gloriously bizarre . . . razor sharp . . . People who have never before picked up a history book will read and enjoy this one.” —The Times

“David Mitchell brings a delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous eye to the history of the English monarchy, offering a jewel of an insight or a refreshing blast of clarifying wit on every page. Unruly is informative, illuminating, and very, very funny.” —Jesse Armstrong, writer and creator of Succession

“A sardonic, endlessly funny update to the classic 1066 and All That.” —Kirkus Reviews

Entertaining and Educational

David Mitchell brings history to life. Listening gave me a new perspective against which the current chaos not just in the US , but world wide, could be compared.

Enjoyed it much more than i had expected

It took a bit of patience & persistence to get past Mitchell’s schtick at the start (i thought it corny), partly because I didn’t realize who he was until i looked him up, and partly because it was distracting. But before i knew it i was snickering at his cleverness and was deeply immersed.

His view of history is refreshing. He does a terrific job positioning, telling, and summarizing the stories (his last chapter could be used as a teaching tool in how to write a wrap-up).

I hope he has a sequel because i really want to hear his take on the 18th-20th century monarchs, and maybe even the interregnum.

Elegant Hilarity

David Mitchell’s sly wit and insightful journey in the wayback machine of the ridiculous and brutal British monarchy is not just a delight but a heartfelt commentary on those who deem themselves worthy to rule… and are anything but.

Hilarious and Engrossing.

Simultaneously entertaining and informative. Mitchell's enthusiasm for talking about the subject matter shines through in both the writing and performance.

I loved this book and David reading it for us!

I learned so much. I will very probably listen again. I laughed quite a bit. Thank you so much, history I really enjoyed!

Brilliant

Erudite. Articulate. Hilarious. I can't rate this audible book highly enough. Shame there's not going to be a Part 2.

Hysterically Amusing

History from a comical point of view. This made me weep with laughter. Very highly recommended.

Surprising content

Didn’t realize it would be real history, from what I know of David Mitchell. But it was, though his side comments, descriptions, and tangents caused my belly to hurt from all the laughing. Wish my history classes in high school and college had been taught this way! Thoroughly enjoyable.

Perfect Comedy and History

Brilliantly written, with often ribald humor and great insight. As someone who is fascinated by British history and a big fan of David Mitchell's work in That Mitchell And Web Look and Peep Show, I feel as though this book was made just for me.

Informative and Funny!

I love early British history and David Mitchell’s book made learning about the early monarchs so much fun! I’m a huge fan of Upstart Crow, which made listening to David read his book even more enjoyable.