Tag: history

Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee… by Charlie Higson

I found this to be a very pleasant surprise and I was honestly expecting it to be a little underwhelming and too similar to David Mitchell’s Unruly, but what a thoroughly enjoyable romp between 1000 years of English/British Monarchs.

Very readable and approachable and full of humour and interest. Is it clonclusive or detailed? No but there is enough for each Monarch to get a lot out of this book. Even the boring ones or who did little of note.

It is a book I would love to read again and I loved the illustrations by Jim Moir (Vic Reeves), especially the one of Wat Tyler and Richard II, and the one of Simon de Montfort with his balls on his nose!

Highly recommend this book.

Revolting by Terry Deary

A very fun and enjoyable history or Revolts and Rebellions from the creater of the much loved kids books Horrible Histories. This book is similar but for adults. I found it easier going and more enjoyable than “A History of Britain In Ten Enemies”.

A lot of interesting tidbits of hitory split into 10 sections and lessons like for the sections it could be Money, Religion, Slavery and for the lessons Get A Leader, Gather Intelligence.

On the whole it was good fun and a nice, light read if you don’t mind reading about molten metal down someone’s throat or people being hung, drawn and quartered.

I look forward to reading what is next from Terry Deary. He is alongside RL Stine and Roald Dahl as one of my early literary influences that got me into reading (and history) as a child.

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…

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.