British History For Dummies

Treason, plague, two world wars – and that′s just for starters. Discover the fascinating history of Britain British history is a rollercoaster ride of lively stories, relentless power–grabbing, and colourful characters – and it′s all in this book! Whether you confuse your Stuarts with your Tudors or are convinced the Battle of Hastings took place in 1966, this book is the perfect guide for you. Uncover rip–roaring stories of power–mad kings, executions, invasions, and high treason. Tour through the ages of Britain and take in anation at war, the building of a global empire, and tales of forbidden love – not bad for a nation of stiff upper lips. Time–travelling through the ages – understand Stone Age Britain, and move on through the Bronze Age into the Iron Age Going on an invasion – discover how the Saxons and Vikings invaded the British Isles, and how their legacy lives on today Commanding and conquering – look on as Britain builds a vast empire and delves into global domination Uncovering a right royal affair – take in the turbulent times of monarchs through the ages Meeting the children of the revolution – marvel at the industrial revolution that made Britain a superpower Moving into the modern world – witness the highs and lows of the twentieth and twenty–first centuries Open the book and find: A tour through British historyfrom the Stone Age to theInformation Age Romans, Vikings, and other invaders The roots of the Protestant Reformation and the Church of England Gladstone, Disraeli, and the pub brawls they inspired The 1980s and Margaret Thatcher – the Iron Lady British culture from Shakespeare to the Beatles Colour section packed with historical images and information Learn about: Legendary kings and queens 1066 and all that followed The rise and fall of the British Empire The battles and wars that shaped Britain

Introduction. Part I: The British Are Coming! Chapter 1: So Much History, So Little Time. Chapter 2: Sticks and Stone Age Stuff. Chapter 3: Woad Rage and Chariots: The Iron Age in Britain. Part II: Everyone Else Is Coming! The Invaders. Chapter 4: Ruled Britannia. Chapter 5: Saxon, Drugs, and Rock ’n’ Roll. Chapter 6: Have Axe, Will Travel: The Vikings. Chapter 7: 1066 and All That Followed. Part III: Who′s in Charge Around Here? The Middle Ages. Chapter 8: England Gets an Empire. Chapter 9: A Right Royal Time – the Medieval Realms of Britain. Chapter 10: Plague, Pox, Poll Tax, and Ploughing – and Then You Die. Part IV: Rights or Royals? The Tudors and Stuarts. Chapter 11: Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown. Chapter 12: A Burning Issue: The Reformation. Chapter 13: Crown or Commons? Chapter 14: Old Problems, New Ideas. Part V: On the Up: The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Chapter 15: Let′s Make a Country. Chapter 16: Survival of the Richest: The Industrial Revolution. Chapter 17: Children of the Revolutions. Chapter 18: Putting On My Top Hat – The Victorians. Chapter 19: The Sun Never Sets – But It Don′t Shine Either. Part VI: Don′t Look Down: The Twentieth Century. Chapter 20: The Great War: The End of Innocence – and Everything Else? Chapter 21: Radio Times. Chapter 22: TV Times. Chapter 23: Interesting Times. Part VII: The Part of Tens. Chapter 24: Ten Top Turning Points. Chapter 25: Ten Major Documents. Chapter 26: Ten Things the British Have Given the World (Whether the World Wanted Them or Not). Chapter 27: Ten Great British Places to Visit. Chapter 28: Ten Britons Who Should Be Better Known. Index.

Seán Lang , PhD is the author of the best–selling European History For Dummies . He is a senior university lecturer in history and has been teaching history to school, college, and university students for more than two decades.