Review: HISTORY OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL GUIDE

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (2 May 2011)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1405364289
• ISBN-13: 978-1405364287

Product Description

 

The definitive visual guide to 5,000 years of British history


The History of Britain & Ireland traces the key events that have shaped the British Isles. From the Elizabethan age of Shakespeare to the Iraq and Afghan wars of the 21st century, this beautifully illustrated book offers a definitive visual chronicle of the most colourful and defining episodes in British history.


Packed with visually arresting illustrations and clear, concise text, you can now explore the long and fascinating story of the British Isles. Includes profiles of key people in history such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Alfred the Great, Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I and Winston Churchill.


The History of Britain & Ireland is ideal as a family reference for the home as well as a key history companion for schools.

Click Here to Look inside: History of Britain and Ireland

My Review

To begin with I must confess that I am a massive fan of the Dorling Kindersley (DK Publishing) eyewitness series of books. I love their travel guides and when my children were young the eyewitness books were their all time favorites.  The History of Britain and Ireland even has my favorite historical figure on the cover:  Elizabeth I.

This tome goes above and beyond the normal Eyewitness Book.  Beginning with Britain's first inhabitants it creates a pictorial and narrative history that utilizes facts with photographs and illustrations to recreate Britain and Ireland's amazing history for the reader.The book follows the history of these great islands chronologically. It is divided into six sections:

1. Britons and Invaders Up to 1066
2. Medieval Britain 1066 - 1485
3. Tudors and Stuarts 1485 - 1688
4. Rise of Power 1688 - 1815
5. Industry and Empire 1815 - 1914
6. Modern Times 1914 - Present

Each section begins with a comprehensive timeline of the events that took place during that period.  The political, military and social history of each period is covered in depth and of course are beautifully illustrated.  For example, in the Tudor section there is a piece about Henry VIII, Religious Upheaval, Scottish Troubles, Elizabeth I, English Society Under the Tudors, Sailors and Privateers, The War With Spain, William Shakespeare (just to name a few) and a lovely two page spread on Tudor Life featuring pieces of jewellery, coinage and accessories including a pair of gloves.  I cannot overemphasize the beauty of the illustrations included in this volume.

I have a degree in history and I am completely passionate about history and I highly recommend this gorgeous book for young and old alike.