A History of Britain. the British Wars, 1603-1776 - Softcover

Schama, Simon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847920136 ISBN 13: 9781847920133

Publisher: Bodley Head, 2009

Synopsis

Simon Schama explores the forces that tore Britain apart during two centuries of dynamic change - transforming outlooks, allegiances and boundaries.

From the beginning of July 1637, battles raged on for 200 years - both at home and abroad, on sea and on land, up and down the length of burgeoning Britain, across Europe, America and India. Most would be wars of faith - waged on wide-ranging grounds of political or religious conviction. But as wars of religious passions gave way to campaigns for profit, the British people did come together in the imperial enterprise of 'Britannia Incorporated'.

The British Wars is a story of revolution and reaction, inspiration and disenchantment, of progress and catastrophe, and Schama's evocative narrative brings it vividly to life.

About this title

About the Author:

Simon Schama is University Professor of Art History and History at Columbia University. His award-winning books, translated into fifteen languages, include Citizens, Landscape and Memory, Rembrandt's Eyes, A History of Britain, The Power of Art, Rough Crossings, The American Future, The Face of Britain and The Story of the Jews: Finding the Words (1000 BCE - 1492). His art columns for the New Yorker won the National Magazine Award for criticism and his journalism has appeared regularly in the Guardian and the Financial Times where he is Contributing Editor. He has written and presented more than fifty films for the BBC on subjects as diverse as Tolstoy, American politics, and The Story of the Jews and is co-presenter of a new landmark series on the history of world art, Civilisations.

From AudioFile:

This book is imposing in many ways but is worth every minute. The journey through this period of British history is long, over 20 hours, and thorough, almost a year-by-year account. Narrator Stephen Thorne reads expertly. His phrasing, crystal-clear diction, and magisterial tone bring this vivid book alive, making it crackle with intrigue, war, and royal power struggles. While Thorne does not dramatize any of the characters, the author's words are robust enough that he need only concentrate on making the events clear, dramatic, and surprising--and he succeeds magnificently. History of this caliber comes along rarely. Readers should jump at the chance to indulge themselves. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Bodley Head
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1847920136
• ISBN 13: 9781847920133
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 447