British History for Dummies - Paperback

by Seán Lang (Author)

Royally confused about kings and queens? Never sure what happened when? Or where -- England, Scotland, Ireland, or Wales? Learn the people and events that shaped British history

British History For Dummies, 3rd Edition is full of rip-roaring stories of power-mad kings, executions, invasions, high treason, global empire building, and forbidden love -- not bad for a nation of stiff upper lips. Engaged travelers, lifelong learners, history buffs, and students will all enjoy this friendly and accessible guide written in, well, plain English. This book is for you if you studied British History in school (perhaps a while ago) or learned only a bit about Wales or Scotland or Ireland and want to know more. And if you've ever asked yourself, "What kingdoms are part of the United Kingdom?" or "Exactly how was the UK formed?" or "Which people make up the UK?" -- you've come to the right place, to get those answers and so much more.

With an 8-page color insert so you can see who, what, and where the ensuing historical action takes place, you'll learn about the following people and events (and more):

• What led to the Roman invasion and about the Britons who resisted it
• How Britain was divided into Saxon and Celtic kingdoms
• How the Roman Church converted Celtic and British Christians
• When the Vikings arrived, and what other invaders followed
• The many battles of Henry II
• The forming of England's parliament
• How the Black Death affected Britain
• The Tudors vs. The Stuarts
• How the Industrial Revolution helped push advancements in farming and infrastructure
• All about the Victorians -- everyone's favorite
• Britain's involvement in the Great War and World War II

Additionally, this edition is revised and expanded to include the historical parliamentary elections of 2010 and the British mission in Afghanistan, and you don't want to miss out. Pick up your copy of British History For Dummies, 3rd Edition today.

Back Jacket

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

Author Biography

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.