Description

“Canute began by being a Bad King on the advice of his Courtiers, who informed him (owing to a misunderstanding of the Rule Britannia) that the King of England was entitled to sit on the sea without getting wet.” 1066 And All That is a book that has itself become part of our history. The authors made the claim that “All the History you can remember is in the Book” and, for most of us, they were probably right. But it is their own unique interpretation of events that has made the book a classic; an uproarious satire on textbook history and our confused recollections of it: “The first date in English History is 55 BC, in which year Julius Caesar (the memorable Roman Emperor) landed, like all other successful invaders of these islands, at Thanet. This was in the Olden Days, when the Romans were top nation on account of their classical education, etc.”

Publisher Review

"...it's certainly the funniest book I ever read as a child and I read it again recently and I just couldn't believe how funny it still is ... I love it ... there's a sweetness about it I think which is... it's almost innocent - the pleasure they take just in the word play, and the messing around with what's established fact, is absolutely delightful..." Ian Hislop, A Good Read, BBC Radio 4* "1066 and All That is the ... greatest historical pastiche in English..." Professor Robert Bartlett, Wardlaw Professor of Medieval History, St Andrew's University The Daily Telegraph * "...1066 and All That it is an hilarious swipe at history the way it used to be taught... every trope of history teaching is brilliantly sent up..." John Sessions, With Great Pleasure, BBC Radio 4*