Customer Reviews

1066 and All That: A Memorable History of England (Methuen Centenary Editions)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This 116 page book made me laugh till the tears came on every page and made me laugh till it hurt more than any other book I have read in my long lifetime. From the first pages, where among other things the authors comment on the way Romans count backwards, till the last page which deals with 1918 this book is a continuous hoot The test questions at the end of each of the five parts are each a scream in themselves. If you have ever taken a test you will glory in them, and wish that you had been given tests such as that (well, maybe not, but one can dream...) There is not a page which lacks some outrageously funny material. I'd give it ten stars if I could.

An unforgettably funny and very brief review of all the English history that most adults are able to remember, suitably warped, as all things memorable usually are.

As a US Citizen, I approached this noted history book with trepidation. Would I be put off by high-faluting British snootiness on a subject I knew nothing about?

I'm pleased to say that this informative volume answers all your questions about Great Britain's history without making you feel like a fool. I learned how the British became the "Top Country" by winning many memorable battles which will long be remembered. And I now know how to tell apart Napoleon and Nelson: Napoleon held his arm like THIS and Nelson held his arm like THAT. No more confusion.

Will Americans understand this book? YES! It's even funny in places-- is this intentional, do you suppose?

Here is a minor classic, a rare gem that offers far more than "English humor" or a witty take on that country's past. It shows a shrewd understanding of popular memory, and a keen grasp of how much, or how little, history the public retains despite (because of?) teachers' best efforts. "1066" suggests that people recall a lot about the past, but in trivial, imprecise, partial and bizarre ways, and this in a generally history-minded country like Britain. As for the US---a student recently referred to England's 1381 Pheasant Revolt (it ruffled many feathers, right?). Still, we must soldier on...unless we too die of a surfeit. Til then, it's fun reading excerpts to the class.

I have read this little book dozens of times and it never fails to raise a laugh. It has a magnificently silly take on English history that would instantly appeal to fans of Pythonesque humour.

It is not necessary to know English history to enjoy 1066 And All That, but I have found that the more I learn about it, the more jokes and puns I find in the book. That's one reason why it rewards constant re-reading.

I first encountered this book in the local junior library, and later bought my own copy. I have now worn out two copies and am on my third. It will always have an honoured place on my bookshelf.

... because you can lose a lot of copies in 50 years; it's been about that long since I first read it.

Absolutely hilarious, in the understated Jerome Jerome way in which the Brits excel.

By the way, could we nominate the two-star review above for "least insightful review ever"? "History for Dummies", feh.

The fact that a priceless gem like this was allowed to go out of print in the US just goes to show (once again) the sad state of publishing in this country. Try amazon.co.uk -- several printings are still readily available in Britain and a new one is due out Sept. 13, 1999.

Most modern American readers delving into this book will be at a loss; not only does it parody a style of history that never reached as much prominence here as in England, it also relies on punning and confusing British history with a number of references to the (then) present. (Note the joke on Hilaire Belloc and G.K. Chesterton.)

The book is at turns satirical, snide and prophetic; note this line from its closing chapter: "Though there were several battles in the [Great] War, none were so terrible or costly as the Peace which was signed afterwards in the ever-memorable Chamber of Horrors at Versailles." This line is a good example of the book's sense of humor, which is a combination of deliberate confusion and backhanded commentary. The language and style is so distinctive, that readers will find themselves describing everything as Good and Bad...

...including the book itself, which itself is certainly a Good Thing.

If you've ever visited England, you'll swear this is all true. And who will dispute you? Most people "remember" history more or less the way it is recounted here. A gem -- provided you really do know something of English history.

While I had some fun reading this, I much prefer Will Cuppy for this type of book. It just seemed to lack some snap; more like a textbook lite.