Category: history

A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary

A light and enjoyable read from the creator of the children’s books Horrible Histories. Though I enjoyed it I did expect more from it. As far as entertainment goes it hits the mark with the facts and humour.

Compared to something like Unruly by David Mitchell it falls a bit below par, and given the reputation of Horrible Histories I expected more. It was enjoyable but could have been better.

A little all over the place with the events like for example the French or Normans you go from 1066 to 1300s. Glossing over a large chunk of history.

Essentially the enemies starts with the Romans and ends with the Germans, though given our Royal family and history then the ‘enemies’ actually won in the end…

Rome Before Rome by Philip Matyszak

A very enjoyable read covering the early years of Rome and Roman civilisation. A look into the “history”, myth and legends.

Engaging and amusing and very readable. It is interesting to see how Rome came to be and how they saw their legends and history. You can’t take it at face value, but for every story surely there is an element of truth. Sure it is embellished in the telling of the tales and refined to be the myth handed down to us.

An interesting facet in the legends is how rape is the key point or trigger in three vital aspects of Roman legend. The rape of Romulus & Remus mother which gives us the founding myth of Rome. Secondly the Rape of the Sabines which caused the growth of Rome and kickstarted the expansion and development. Finally the Rape of Lucretia which caused the emergence of the Republic and brought down Tarquin Superbus, thankfully rape was seen as abhorrent then too given how the violence and uproar then ensued.

All in all I quite enjoyed this book, it is very accessible and from an author who’s work I quite enjoy. It is a book I will return to, and one that can lead on to other books for more depth. Highly recommended.

The Rabbit Hole Book by Richard Coles, Cat Jarman & Charles Spencer

A fun and enjoyable read, literally 99 little rabbit holes to fall into. Many fascinating and interesting subjects. I enjoyed most and learned about many things I hadn’t known before like the Westminster Abbey effigies.

An enjoyable book to dip in and out of and lots of fun tidbits.

John Boardman On The Parthenon by John Boardman

Short and sweet, a bit different to what I was expecting. I expected a book on the history of the Parthenon, but this is a book on the construction and meaning behind it. Focuses a lot on the importance of the temple and the city of Athens reverence to Athena during the time of its construction. Interesting nonetheless.

3.5/5 rounded up.