From the Romans to the Nazis, the genius behind Horrible Histories retells the story of Britain in hilarious yet always enlightening prose, through our relationships with our bitterest enemies.
Ah, Britain. So special. The greatest nation on earth, some say. And we did it all on our own. Didn’t we?
Well, as it happens Britannia got its name from the Romans, and for the past two centuries we have been ruled by Germans. But then, as Horrible Histories author Terry Deary argues, nations and their leaders are defined by the enemies they make.
The surprisingly sadistic Boudica would be forgotten if it weren't for the Ninth Legion, Elizabeth I a minor royal without the Spanish Armada, and Churchill an opposition windbag without the Nazis. Britain loves its heroes so much we have been known to pickle them in brandy to keep them fresh. And after all, every nation sometimes needs a bit of unifying Blitz spirit (although in an ideal world, we wouldn’t have accidentally let Corporal Hitler go in the first place).
The British have a proud history of choosing their enemies, from the Romans to the Germans. You might even say those enemies made Britain what it is today.
A History of Britain in Ten Enemies is an entertaining gallop through history that will have you laughing as you find out what they didn't teach you in school.
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
ISBN: 9780857506351
Number of pages: 256
Weight: 445 g
Dimensions: 239 x 158 x 23 mm
Packed with dinner-party-worthy anecdotes, the kind which will delight history buffs and newcomers alike... a whirlwind of fascinating, globe-traversing history... a lively, wacky book, fizzing with energy and character... entertaining and accessible. - Alice Loxton, Telegraph
If you could take just one history book to a desert island, this would be it. It is laugh-out-loud funny, but there is also a love of history and story here that is pure JOY. - Conn Iggulden, author of the Emperor and Conqueror series
This book made me proud to be British. Ever since Britain existed as a nation, we’ve chosen only the fiercest and most fascinating enemies, and we usually put up a pretty good fight. And luckily, only recently have we started to lose to them on penalties. - Stephen Clarke, author of 1000 Years of Annoying the French
Finally a book by Terry Deary that I don’t have to sneak into my children’s bedroom at night to steal once they’ve gone to asleep. And who better to tell us about Britain’s enemies than history’s greatest ally. Terry Deary has once again delivered a book ram-packed with mind-blowing facts, hilarious characters, and little-known tales. - Dan Schreiber, author of The Theory of Everything Else and host of No Such Thing As a Fish and We Can Be Weirdos
Terry Deary in his inimitable style somehow manages to keep it down to just ten enemies. Hopefully none of them are unfinished business! - Al Murray, author of Arnhem Black Tuesday (and special guest drummer on Horrible Histories)
Playful, cheeky, and very clever, this is a book for anyone who ever wished there was a Horrible Histories for grown-ups. A glorious romp through the history of Britain’s enemies. - Kate Lister, author of A Curious History of Sex and host of Betwixt the Sheets
Told with characteristic wit and verve, this book makes you question everything you thought you knew about some of the most famous events in British history. Not just an eye-opener, but a mind-opener. - Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors and joint Chief Curator for Historic Royal Palaces
Nobody has changed history more than Terry Deary - Big Issue
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I most definitely would be! As someone who is a teacher with a history degree, has a genuine interest in history, AND is a lifelong fan of Terry Deary, I was beyond excited... More
They say keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Look no further than this book to gain insight into the history of Britain and those who sought out to conquer it!
I was drawn to this book as a fan of "Horrible Histories", which I loved. The book is interesting, and the liberal sprinklings of humour made me laugh out loud a few times. Plenty of historical facts, plus... More
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