Description

From the invaders of the dark ages to the aftermath of the coalition, one of Britain’s most respected journalists, Simon Jenkins, weaves together a strong narrative with all the most important and interesting dates in a book that characteristically is as stylish as it is authoritative.

A Short History of England sheds light on all the key individuals and events, bringing them together in an enlightening and engaging account of the country’s birth, rise to global prominence and then partial eclipse.There have been long synoptic histories of England but until now there has been no standard short work covering all significant events, themes and individuals.

Now updated to take in the rapid progress of recent events and beautifully illustrated, this magisterial history will be the standard work for years to come.

Publisher Review

A lucid and handsomely illustrated narrative, from the Saxon dawn of England to the Cameron Government * The Times * Full of stand-out facts ... Absolutely fascinating ... I've learnt an awful lot -- Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 2 Let Jenkins sweep you through England's history, painting a vivid picture of this country's green and pleasant land * City AM * Where Jenkins excels is in his very journalistic approach ... The historical events are joined up, and work as narrative * Time Out * Immediately accessible * Prospect * This is traditional, kings-and-things, great-men history with all its dates and famous quotations in place ... it's jolly good ... Jenkins has a newspaper columnist's aphoristic verve ... judgements are crisp * Spectator * Entertaining * Sunday Times * Full of good writing and lively anecdotes ... worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought * New Statesman * A characteristically bold, wry, fluent, combative gallop through English history -- Max Hastings