Book description
What are the 50 key events you need to understand to grasp British history?
If you could choose the 50 things that define British history, events of
significance not only in themselves, but in their importance to wider
themes running through our past, what would they be? Hugh Williams has
made that selection, and the result is a fascinating overview of
Britain's past.
He refines British history into a series of key themes that represent a
crucial strand in our history, and pinpoints the seminal events within
those strands - Roots, from the Roman invasion to Britain's entry into
the Common Market; Fight, Fight and Fight Again, from the Battle of
Agincourt to the Falklands War; The Pursuit of Liberty, from the Magna
Carta through the Glorious Revolution to the foundation of the NHS; Home
and Abroad, from Sir Francis Drake and Clive of India to the arrival of
the SS Empire Windrush; and All Change, from Chaucer and the English
language to the invention of the web.
With great clarity, simplicity and a zest for the marvellous stories
that underpin many of these events, Hugh Williams explains the linkage
between each one and its importance in the progress of British history
as a whole. Along the way, he has some fascinating tales to tell, making
this a highly enjoyable read as well as a perceptive insight into our
shared past, and vital for anyone who wants quickly and enjoyably to
grasp the essential facts about Britain's history. 'If history is your
subject, then look no further than Fifty Things you Need to Know about
British History. If you want an overview of what went on here, in
bite-size chunks, throughout the centuries, this is the book for you'
The Lady
'It offers insight and knowledge upon which to build a better
understanding of the country we live in today' Today's History
Best General History 'Combining simplicity with significance and
anecdote with fact, this book will have relevance for every modern
British reader' Family History Monthly Hugh Williams read Modern
History at Oxford before beginning his career in television with the
BBC. He has specialised in history and current affairs programming and
in the early 80s was responsible for introducing the famous BBC history
programme 'Timewatch' into the schedules. While Head of Broadcasting in
Manchester he had the idea for and subsequently commissioned A. N.
Wilson's series 'Eminent Victorians'.
