This Sceptred Isle, 55 BC - 1901: From the Roman Invasion to the Death of Queen Victoria [Paperback]

Christopher Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 3, 1998

Based on the award-winning Radio 4 programs "This Sceptred Isle" tells the fascinating story of British history from Caesar's invasion in 55 BC to Queen Victoria's death in 1901. Using extracts from Winston Churchill's "A History of the English-Speaking People" plus accounts from contemporary chronicles and diaries, Lee's book focuses on the pivotal events and key characters that have shaped British history. It is written in an accessible yet authoritative style. 'Has there ever been a more user-friendly means to the history of Britain' - "The Spectator".

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Lee is the editor of the latest edition of Winston Churchill's A HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH- SPEAKING PEOPLES. He specialises in contemporary political and military history and is author and editor of eighteen books including THE FINAL DECADE: WILL WE SURVIVE THE 1980S (HH '81) and WAR IN SPACE (HH '96). He lives in Chewton Mendip, Somerset.

Product Details

• Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd / BBC (December 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140261338
• ISBN-13: 978-0140261332
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,964,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Audio Version, March 5, 2000

By 

Peter Marcato (The old English colony, America.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Sceptred Isle: 55 B.C. - 1901 (Audio Cassette)

Given sets of these tapes as a holiday gift, I was slowed in my enthusiasm toward the givers. Facing a long drive, with ample entertainment backup, I listened to the first of many tapes. Could history on tape possibly subvert popular culture and current events ? I have now listened to these tapes more than 6 times. The presentation, content, and most of all attitude of the material is addictive. The BBC should be commended again for their quality educational products, and their significant contributions toward restoring the positive reputation of the British people. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing these tapes for yourselves and your children's enlightenment.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ** FABULOUS **, December 7, 2000

By 

jeanplaidyfan - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Sceptred Isle: 55 B.C. - 1901 (Audio Cassette)

I am almost ashamed to admit that the book version of this title sat on my bookshelf for a year, as I thought it would be a very cumbersome read. Recently I picked up a CD version, of the title, from my local library. (There are approximately 10 CD's, each covering approx. 200 years of history). Now I am devouring the book, wondering why I waited so long to read it. I have borrowed & re-borrowed the CD's from the library, & I listen to them at home over & over again. What I particularly like about this title is the way the author refers to contemporary documents relevant to the time in history being covered. Christopher Lee has taken a subject which, in other's hands, can sometimes be flat & 'dry', & he has created a masterpiece. If you have even the slighest interest in history I urge you to either read the print version of the title, or if you can't get your hands on that beg or borrow a copy, in either print, on tape, or on CD. You WON'T be disappointed. I only wish someone would produce a masterpiece of this calibre for 'other' history e.g. French, Italian etc Oh, & BTW, 'This Sceptred Isle - Twentieth Century' has just hit the shelves in Australia. I have already purchased my copy. I expect it will be every bit as good as '55BC - 1901'

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breath-taking!, July 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: This Sceptred Isle: 55 B.C. - 1901 (Audio Cassette)

I was totally captivated! What an incredible, sweeping history, sumptuously written and produced; rich by far in audio than if it were produced on film. Bravo BBC! At one point I even briefly understood the English soccer hooligans - after all, rampaging around the Continent thumping foreigners is only what their predecessors have done for 1000 years! With an incredibly rich and diverse history and an incalculable contribution to the world's culture (hooliganism excepted!), Britons almost have the right to be admired and to be what they are not - arrogant and boastful. We must admire too, their charm, wit and self-effacing modesty. A tip of the hat from California!