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Unruly: The Number One Bestseller ‘Horrible Histories for grownups’ The Times

Description:

THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER


A funny book about a serious subject, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how we got here - and who is to blame.

'Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell – a funny man and skilled historian – tells stories that are interesting and fun. Here is Horrible Histories for grownups’ GERARD DEGROOT, THE TIMES

'Just fantastic. Delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous. Very, very funny’ JESSE ARMSTRONG, CREATOR OF SUCCESSION AND PEEP SHOW

'Clever, funny. Makes you think quite differently about history’ DAN SNOW, HISTORIAN AND BROADCASTER

----

Think you know your kings and queens? Think again.

Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), Unruly tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut.

How this happened, who it happened to and why it matters in modern Britain are all questions David Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit and the full erudition of a man who once studied history – and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.

*The Times Number One Bestseller October 2023*

----

‘An enjoyable, rollicking read, definitely not a conventional history book’ THE TIMES
‘Chatty, irreverent and liberally sprinkled with gags and opinions. Horrible Histories with added swearing’ GUARDIAN

'Mitchell clearly knows his history, with a book that owes as much to Monty Python as it does to Simon Schama' ANDREW MARR, BROADCASTER

'Who knew a history of England's rulers could be this hilarious?' i

'I can’t recommend this book enough. Very funny and interesting, it is above all a proper work of history' CHARLIE HIGSON

Read more

Review

Unruly is part Horrible Histories part jolly romp guided by Alan Bennett. Perhaps this is how history should be done: not by patient scholars, but by free-swearing actor-comedians cramming more ideas and jokes into their pages than many professionals have committed to print in their careers. ― Guardian

Full of jokes and canny insights, 100 per cent sparkier and more revernt than your school textbooks ― I

An enjoyable, rollicking read, definitely not a conventional history book ― Sunday Times

I don’t think anyone other than David Mitchell could have written this book. It’s clever, funny and makes you think quite differently about history we thought we knew ― DAN SNOW, HISTORIAN AND BROADCASTER

By turns fascinating and funny - there is a jewel of an insight or a refreshing blast of clarifying wit on every page. David brings a delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous eye to the history of the English Monarchy. Informative, illuminating and very very funny ― JESSE ARMSTRONG, CREATOR OF SUCCESSION AND PEEP SHOW

Mitchell clearly knows his history, with a book that owes as much to Monty Python as it does to Simon Schama ― Andrew Marr

A Peep Show history of England ― Sunday Times

Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell - a funny man and a skilled historian - tells stories that are interesting and fun. His rants alone are worth the price of the book. And amid all the jokes and delightful nonsense, Mitchell sneaks in a serious message about English identity. Here is Horrible Histories for grownups - stripped of their finery, devoid of reverence, UNRULY's monarchs emerge as mortals with ordinary flaws. I learnt a lot and laughed a lot, and people who have never before picked up a history book will read and enjoy this one. That's an accomplishment ― Gerard DeGroot, The Times

Chatty, irreverent and liberally sprinkled with gags and opinions. Horrible Histories with added swearing. ― Guardian

I can’t recommend this book enough. Very funny and interesting, it is above all a proper work of history ― Charlie Higson

From the Back Cover

THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A funny book about a serious subject, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how we got here - and who is to blame.

'Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell – a funny man and skilled historian – tells stories that are interesting and fun. Here is Horrible Histories for grownups’ GERARD DEGROOT, THE TIMES

'Just fantastic. Delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous. Very, very funny’ JESSE ARMSTRONG, CREATOR OF SUCCESSION AND PEEP SHOW

'Clever, funny. Makes you think quite differently about history’ DAN SNOW, HISTORIAN AND BROADCASTER

----

Think you know your kings and queens? Think again.

Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), Unruly tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut.

How this happened, who it happened to and why it matters in modern Britain are all questions David Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit and the full erudition of a man who once studied history – and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.

*The Times Number One Bestseller October 2023*

----

‘An enjoyable, rollicking read, definitely not a conventional history book’ THE TIMES
‘Chatty, irreverent and liberally sprinkled with gags and opinions. Horrible Histories with added swearing’ GUARDIAN

'Mitchell clearly knows his history, with a book that owes as much to Monty Python as it does to Simon Schama' ANDREW MARR, BROADCASTER

'Who knew a history of England's rulers could be this hilarious?' i

'I can’t recommend this book enough. Very funny and interesting, it is above all a proper work of history' CHARLIE HIGSON

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Entertaining: A Rare Combination

R.C. · 17 September 2025

I bought this as a gift. The recipient enjoyed it. I borrowed it back when they'd finished reading, and enjoyed it even more.The author is clearly well informed, and has an entertaining style which makes a dry subject both compelling an entertaining. I recommend it highly for anyone who'd like to know the history of the English monarchy without ploughing through one of the many accurate but dull books to be found on the subject.

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes history more interesting

j.a. · 16 September 2025

Very amusing and interesting book. Brought a copy for my granddaughter who is interested in history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyed it

m. · 1 October 2025

A witty and well written book about the early rulers of Great Britain.You move at pace and it is very opinionated but in a good way.As said, I really enjoyed the book. Definitely on my recommendations' list.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable

d. · 30 August 2025

Absolutely great book. Lots to take in but well explained and plenty of great humour. Loved the summing up at the end and particularly the fond references to Shakespeare.

3.0 out of 5 stars Amusing

P.W. · 28 October 2025

Not side splitting funny, but reasonably amusing summary of British monarchs. Nothing new here for students of history, but a readable summary.

4.0 out of 5 stars Facts and research written in a humorous way

J.U. · 27 September 2024

I'd been recommended this book and, as I enjoy the humour of the author, was looking forward to reading it.The idea of the book is to look at the English Kings (and occasional Queen) starting as far back as possible and ending with Elizabeth I.The introduction is interesting (always a good start) as David Mitchell introduces the idea of how the English people view the monarchy. I noted this had been written recently as there are references to King Charles III.This book was first published in 2023. There are 403 pages, if you include a "Bookend" chapter at the end - the chapter cover 39 monarchs with the first few chapters grouping a few together.You can definitely hear the voice of the author coming through in the writing. It's familiar and conversational in a style more commonly used in an autobiography - I thought this made the book very easy to read.I loved the list of monarchs and the maps at the start, always useful for context. Particularly interesting though were the family trees. We are always taught about 1066 onwards but rarely look at the periods before that so it's great to see the names and their connections.The book starts after the Romans and the narrative gets murky/confused for the first couple of chapters. To be fair to the author he is working through a period of history that is also very murky. He makes good efforts to pull together some basic facts in a comedic way then moves on.Once the Viking invade then the history becomes more familiar to both author and reader which makes everything more comfortable. Jokes generally need to be about something recognisable to make them funny and the narrative gets funnier as we progress through the book.The style of the book is very much like a Bill Bryson book - lots of research and lots of facts, all presented in an accessible way with plenty of humour.When we get to the Plantagenets the story gets muddled again and I suspect David Mitchell didn't enjoy this section. Henry Tudor eventually takes over and we are all then back on familiar ground again (bring on the jokes!).

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and entertaining

S.B. · 3 October 2025

Informative and entertaining. Brilliant read. Brings history to life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Would I lie to you

V.M.M. · 17 August 2025

This is a tongue in cheek record of the monarchy of England. Well written, easy to follow and providing useful insight into our past rulers. Shame David will be long gone and likely unable to review our political leaders without censure in the future.A good light hearted read.

Witty and enjoyable read

E. · 27 June 2025

So funny. I can almost hear him reading it in my head. But you have to be a Brit or have knowledge of British culture/politics to understand some of the humour. But I’d recommend it to anyone who is curious about ‘English’ kings and wants a laugh.

Fun read

S.g. · 23 May 2025

A wonderful take on British history. Full of humor. Like, Aethelwold could be the name of an artisanal cheese! .A great way to get introduced to the history of the country

Mitchell+English kings

W. · 25 July 2025

Interessante interpretatie van de geschiedenis van het Engelse koningshuis.

A good read and you might learn something

J.G. · 8 August 2025

I bought this on audible and then bought the book for my wife. We both loved the book, a mixture of history and humour that works well. Teaching something or more importantly learning something works better for me if there’s humor in amongst it as for me it helps the facts stick a bit better. Some others have attempted this on tv but in some cases been horribly inaccurate so how can you trust the rest.The audio book is better as it’s read by David Mitchell and most of the humour is when he goes off on a little rant about something. So it’s better hearing it.Although there was quite a bit of sniggering coming from the wife as she read the book.

History with a comedic narrative

F.L. · 22 October 2025

If you're a fan of both comedy and history, and want to know more about British history, it's a must buy

Visit the Penguin Store

Unruly: The Number One Bestseller ‘Horrible Histories for grownups’ The Times

Product ID: K1405953195
Condition: New

4.3

(6,400 ratings)

AED5829

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Similar items from “Europe”

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Visit the Penguin Store

Unruly: The Number One Bestseller ‘Horrible Histories for grownups’ The Times

Product ID: K1405953195
Condition: New

4.3

(6,400 ratings)
Unruly: The Number One Bestseller ‘Horrible Histories for grownups’ The Times-0
Type: Paperback

AED5829

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER


A funny book about a serious subject, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how we got here - and who is to blame.

'Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell – a funny man and skilled historian – tells stories that are interesting and fun. Here is Horrible Histories for grownups’ GERARD DEGROOT, THE TIMES

'Just fantastic. Delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous. Very, very funny’ JESSE ARMSTRONG, CREATOR OF SUCCESSION AND PEEP SHOW

'Clever, funny. Makes you think quite differently about history’ DAN SNOW, HISTORIAN AND BROADCASTER

----

Think you know your kings and queens? Think again.

Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), Unruly tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut.

How this happened, who it happened to and why it matters in modern Britain are all questions David Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit and the full erudition of a man who once studied history – and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.

*The Times Number One Bestseller October 2023*

----

‘An enjoyable, rollicking read, definitely not a conventional history book’ THE TIMES
‘Chatty, irreverent and liberally sprinkled with gags and opinions. Horrible Histories with added swearing’ GUARDIAN

'Mitchell clearly knows his history, with a book that owes as much to Monty Python as it does to Simon Schama' ANDREW MARR, BROADCASTER

'Who knew a history of England's rulers could be this hilarious?' i

'I can’t recommend this book enough. Very funny and interesting, it is above all a proper work of history' CHARLIE HIGSON

Read more

Review

Unruly is part Horrible Histories part jolly romp guided by Alan Bennett. Perhaps this is how history should be done: not by patient scholars, but by free-swearing actor-comedians cramming more ideas and jokes into their pages than many professionals have committed to print in their careers. ― Guardian

Full of jokes and canny insights, 100 per cent sparkier and more revernt than your school textbooks ― I

An enjoyable, rollicking read, definitely not a conventional history book ― Sunday Times

I don’t think anyone other than David Mitchell could have written this book. It’s clever, funny and makes you think quite differently about history we thought we knew ― DAN SNOW, HISTORIAN AND BROADCASTER

By turns fascinating and funny - there is a jewel of an insight or a refreshing blast of clarifying wit on every page. David brings a delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous eye to the history of the English Monarchy. Informative, illuminating and very very funny ― JESSE ARMSTRONG, CREATOR OF SUCCESSION AND PEEP SHOW

Mitchell clearly knows his history, with a book that owes as much to Monty Python as it does to Simon Schama ― Andrew Marr

A Peep Show history of England ― Sunday Times

Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell - a funny man and a skilled historian - tells stories that are interesting and fun. His rants alone are worth the price of the book. And amid all the jokes and delightful nonsense, Mitchell sneaks in a serious message about English identity. Here is Horrible Histories for grownups - stripped of their finery, devoid of reverence, UNRULY's monarchs emerge as mortals with ordinary flaws. I learnt a lot and laughed a lot, and people who have never before picked up a history book will read and enjoy this one. That's an accomplishment ― Gerard DeGroot, The Times

Chatty, irreverent and liberally sprinkled with gags and opinions. Horrible Histories with added swearing. ― Guardian

I can’t recommend this book enough. Very funny and interesting, it is above all a proper work of history ― Charlie Higson

From the Back Cover

THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A funny book about a serious subject, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how we got here - and who is to blame.

'Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell – a funny man and skilled historian – tells stories that are interesting and fun. Here is Horrible Histories for grownups’ GERARD DEGROOT, THE TIMES

'Just fantastic. Delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous. Very, very funny’ JESSE ARMSTRONG, CREATOR OF SUCCESSION AND PEEP SHOW

'Clever, funny. Makes you think quite differently about history’ DAN SNOW, HISTORIAN AND BROADCASTER

----

Think you know your kings and queens? Think again.

Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), Unruly tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut.

How this happened, who it happened to and why it matters in modern Britain are all questions David Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit and the full erudition of a man who once studied history – and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.

*The Times Number One Bestseller October 2023*

----

‘An enjoyable, rollicking read, definitely not a conventional history book’ THE TIMES
‘Chatty, irreverent and liberally sprinkled with gags and opinions. Horrible Histories with added swearing’ GUARDIAN

'Mitchell clearly knows his history, with a book that owes as much to Monty Python as it does to Simon Schama' ANDREW MARR, BROADCASTER

'Who knew a history of England's rulers could be this hilarious?' i

'I can’t recommend this book enough. Very funny and interesting, it is above all a proper work of history' CHARLIE HIGSON

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Entertaining: A Rare Combination

R.C. · 17 September 2025

I bought this as a gift. The recipient enjoyed it. I borrowed it back when they'd finished reading, and enjoyed it even more.The author is clearly well informed, and has an entertaining style which makes a dry subject both compelling an entertaining. I recommend it highly for anyone who'd like to know the history of the English monarchy without ploughing through one of the many accurate but dull books to be found on the subject.

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes history more interesting

j.a. · 16 September 2025

Very amusing and interesting book. Brought a copy for my granddaughter who is interested in history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyed it

m. · 1 October 2025

A witty and well written book about the early rulers of Great Britain.You move at pace and it is very opinionated but in a good way.As said, I really enjoyed the book. Definitely on my recommendations' list.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable

d. · 30 August 2025

Absolutely great book. Lots to take in but well explained and plenty of great humour. Loved the summing up at the end and particularly the fond references to Shakespeare.

3.0 out of 5 stars Amusing

P.W. · 28 October 2025

Not side splitting funny, but reasonably amusing summary of British monarchs. Nothing new here for students of history, but a readable summary.

4.0 out of 5 stars Facts and research written in a humorous way

J.U. · 27 September 2024

I'd been recommended this book and, as I enjoy the humour of the author, was looking forward to reading it.The idea of the book is to look at the English Kings (and occasional Queen) starting as far back as possible and ending with Elizabeth I.The introduction is interesting (always a good start) as David Mitchell introduces the idea of how the English people view the monarchy. I noted this had been written recently as there are references to King Charles III.This book was first published in 2023. There are 403 pages, if you include a "Bookend" chapter at the end - the chapter cover 39 monarchs with the first few chapters grouping a few together.You can definitely hear the voice of the author coming through in the writing. It's familiar and conversational in a style more commonly used in an autobiography - I thought this made the book very easy to read.I loved the list of monarchs and the maps at the start, always useful for context. Particularly interesting though were the family trees. We are always taught about 1066 onwards but rarely look at the periods before that so it's great to see the names and their connections.The book starts after the Romans and the narrative gets murky/confused for the first couple of chapters. To be fair to the author he is working through a period of history that is also very murky. He makes good efforts to pull together some basic facts in a comedic way then moves on.Once the Viking invade then the history becomes more familiar to both author and reader which makes everything more comfortable. Jokes generally need to be about something recognisable to make them funny and the narrative gets funnier as we progress through the book.The style of the book is very much like a Bill Bryson book - lots of research and lots of facts, all presented in an accessible way with plenty of humour.When we get to the Plantagenets the story gets muddled again and I suspect David Mitchell didn't enjoy this section. Henry Tudor eventually takes over and we are all then back on familiar ground again (bring on the jokes!).

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and entertaining

S.B. · 3 October 2025

Informative and entertaining. Brilliant read. Brings history to life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Would I lie to you

V.M.M. · 17 August 2025

This is a tongue in cheek record of the monarchy of England. Well written, easy to follow and providing useful insight into our past rulers. Shame David will be long gone and likely unable to review our political leaders without censure in the future.A good light hearted read.

Witty and enjoyable read

E. · 27 June 2025

So funny. I can almost hear him reading it in my head. But you have to be a Brit or have knowledge of British culture/politics to understand some of the humour. But I’d recommend it to anyone who is curious about ‘English’ kings and wants a laugh.

Fun read

S.g. · 23 May 2025

A wonderful take on British history. Full of humor. Like, Aethelwold could be the name of an artisanal cheese! .A great way to get introduced to the history of the country

Mitchell+English kings

W. · 25 July 2025

Interessante interpretatie van de geschiedenis van het Engelse koningshuis.

A good read and you might learn something

J.G. · 8 August 2025

I bought this on audible and then bought the book for my wife. We both loved the book, a mixture of history and humour that works well. Teaching something or more importantly learning something works better for me if there’s humor in amongst it as for me it helps the facts stick a bit better. Some others have attempted this on tv but in some cases been horribly inaccurate so how can you trust the rest.The audio book is better as it’s read by David Mitchell and most of the humour is when he goes off on a little rant about something. So it’s better hearing it.Although there was quite a bit of sniggering coming from the wife as she read the book.

History with a comedic narrative

F.L. · 22 October 2025

If you're a fan of both comedy and history, and want to know more about British history, it's a must buy

More from this brand

Similar items from “Europe”

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Or share with link

https://www.bolo.ae/products/K1405953195