5.0 out of 5 stars Great starting point for British History ...

R.C. · 1 June 2025

An excellent starting point for Young children 9+ and teenagers who want to know more about the different periods in British History..A book full of colour and facts ...

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book.

K. · 3 March 2025

I’m not sure what age this book is aimed at. I’m an old adult, I found the book easy to read and most informative. I detected some event omissions, but having said that it’s not easy to condense 2000 years of history into 500 pages. I wish I could give an extra star for the ribbon page marker

5.0 out of 5 stars The most cherished book on my history shelf(s)

D.L. · 14 September 2018

I first found this book in a museum shop and promptly put it on my Christmas present wish list. Where Santa failed, Bolo delivered.This is one of my favourite history books. And I got many - quite a few on an academic level. But none is so beautifully and richly illustrated as this one. The kids agree and are clearly drawn to it as well.So you'll get a vast, over-500 page hard-cover book that actually displays nicely, if you wish. It reads very well, is very clear and chronologically structured. The book offers a fair bit of detail occasionally in either the text or illustrations. And there are quite a few things, even when quite basic, that I found brilliantly explained.From an educational point of view I would say children in year-4 should be able to read it with some ease, perhaps with help & guidance. But those a little older will fully appreciate and enjoy it on their own.As the book spans 5000 years of British (mostly English) history you generally get a synopsis of most topics. Thus it generally doesn't go into a tremendous amount of depth and detail . However, for example there are still over 50 pages on Roman Britain.As with all history books it remains a product of our time. And as this book was first published 10 years ago it will inevitably and progressively fail to strike the right political chord with some readers. In particular with over-cynical and inquiring Millenials and their Gen Y-successors. But that's not the purpose of the book; its meant as an introduction and reference for young children.So yes, because of the wide span of the book there is limited room for dialogue or perspective. For example the conditions of women feature prominently, but it's the male rulers that get most attention. In the same vein the role of Britain in slave trade, the Boer war or colonisation could have been questioned. Nevertheless in my view this doesn't make this a less attractive introduction to history. There are other books or online references for that.All in all - I love the book. And I wish/hope Usborne would issue similar national histories of other countries (start with Spain, France, China, and the US for example. Or do proper justice to Scotland).

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book

A.C. · 18 September 2025

Fantastic book. Great for adults too who can’t remember any history from school as presumes no prior knowledge.

4.0 out of 5 stars The book itself is very good condition, spoiled by poor wrapping.

Y.H. · 26 September 2023

The product itself is good as described very good condition.However, the poor wrapping without any layers damaged the corners of the book miserably, shame!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic for my nine year old

T. · 8 June 2013

We live in France and I bought this book for our son who wanted a book on the history of Britain since he is only hearing about French history at school. I wasn't sure if it would be too old for him but thought I could learn something from it anyway. It is brilliant, chunks of information, lots of illustrations, timeline and maps. it is an easy layout and enjoyable read making history accessible and digestible. The book just sits on the table and almost every day he opens it up for a read whether for a few minutes or for much longer. I wish that Usborne did similar books in the same format with other themes. This book seems to bridge the gap between kids history books and young adult but can also be enjoyed by all the family. Thanks Usborne! Please do one on France now

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative without being boring

M.A.C. · 22 July 2011

I actually bought this for myself after being embarrassed at not being able to answer my son's questions about his history homework! I realised how little I knew about British history so wanted a book that contained a lot of info but set out in a way that was easy to follow and gave the main facts. This book is exactly what I wanted. I intend to read it from cover to cover and then keep it as a reference book to help with homework! Although the internet is a great reference tool, sometimes it is difficult to find basic facts without spending hours on-line. Therefore I recommend this book as a quick reference book containing lots of info-everything from the Ice Age and prehistoric times through Roman Britain, The Middle Ages, Tudors and Stuarts, The Victorians, The early 20th century, The World Wars to Post-War Britain. There is also a useful Timeline. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book

F.M. · 9 July 2012

I am French living in UK and my children go to English schools and I was looking for a book on the History of Britain for us to be more acquainted with the English past. This book was recommended to me and it is fantastic. I am so glad I bought it. It is very attractive and my children love it. In the description, it says -Usborne Internet-linked Reference- but you do not need to go to the internet. There is a link in the Fact Files if you want to. The book is concise. It is attractive to look at, the illustrations are very good, the font is not too small. But at 510 more or less pages, it is quite heavy. From Pre-history Britain to the Millenium.We are great fans of Usborne publishers at home, and once again, I can only delight in the quality of the work.At £14.75, this book is excellent value. It would make a nice gift too.

Excellent !

G. · 19 January 2021

Excellent livre ! Ludique et bourré d'informations nécessaires à la compréhension de la civilisation britannique. Les illustrations sont superbes et les textes, très bien construits ! Bravo.

Delightful entry to British history

M. · 11 May 2013

The humour and vivid images make this book an attractive invitation to British history for non specialists. While the authors may have had children in mind when putting the book together, it contains insights that should open the eyes of most adults as well. I expect my non-British students of English language and culture to find a delightful temptation, especially in its component parts. The internet links increase the attraction for most young people today.

Makes history easy

M.S.T. · 21 April 2025

makes history easy for the children

A must-have for any family

B.M. · 10 June 2013

A highly recommended history book for every family. Would make a great present. Gives a great background to the entire story of Britian in a fluid way.

A beautiful resource

P.l. · 6 August 2012

I've purchased this book to get my 7 year old son as excited about English history as I am. We've had the book for two years now and he is reading it in his leisure hours all on his own accord. I don't have to read it aloud to him anymore. The book is well written and well-organized, with a ton of interesting information packed into a beautiful lay-out with high-quality illustrations and photographs. The paper is of a very good quality, glossy and sturdy, nice to the touch. With this book studying history is a pleasure, not a chore.