A History of Modern Britain

This is a very well written book, ideal for those who are looking to enhance their own understanding and knowledge of post-war Britain. However to write about such a detailed, quite vast period of British history in great detail would take many thousands of pages, however this book is around 600 pages long and thus lacks detail.
I used this book as part of my a-level history course to boost my knowledge and to help me choose a coursework question. I then bought several other books specific to that area to supplement Andrews Marr's A History of Modern Britain.
Overall this is an easy going book to read and is worthy of anyone's attention, from those just wanted to explore British history to those who have a good knowledge and just want a good read.

Very Enjoyable (0/1 people found this helpful)

A History of Modern Britain is an enjoyable, well written book which is a joy to read. As with all histories of this type there are events and people who are either missed out or skipped over but a detailed study of every minute detail is not what this book is suppossed to be. However, at times his analysis and conclusions do seem a little conscricted in what they say plus there is a slight liberal/socialist bias but all in all it is a very enjoyable book.

Andrew Marr tells it how it was. (4/4 people found this helpful)

This is a great addition to my new iPod! Andrew Marr brings Britsh history alive with this spellbinding version of events from Churchill's movements in WWII to the questionable efforts of Blair's Labour government. Marr concentrates on socio-political history and very much incorporates his own opinions - but to be honest; from such an insightful chap this is quite acceptable and extraordinarily entertaining.

I have to admit to being quite ignorant to Marr's work before this but I find his nasal elucidation of recent events really quite captivating.

However, as it is so very packed with information I find I do loose my place every-so-often and so might like the written form for ease of recapping and ensuring an understanding of events.

All in all; this audio-book is a perfect way to elicit an interest in modern British history in even the most resistant young mind but lacks in the practicalities that a good old book brings.

Iconoclastic historical survey (2/3 people found this helpful)

A History of Modern Britain is an iconoclastic historical survey from the dying days of WWII to the final splutters of Tony Blair's premiership, all told in a reader friendly fashion. There is some loss of narrative momentum when dealing with the Major years, but the book picks up again with the triumph of New Labour, the dawning realisation that the new emperor had no clothes and the Iraq disaster - Marr's views rather than mine.

The focus is on political history but with social and cultural context supplied. The style is chatty and journalistic. The characterisation of individuals is usually good natured with an avoidance of demonisation, Marr tending to see people as well intentioned even if in retrospect their judgments were wrong. There is plenty of welcome humour although at times it does become forced and starts to grate: like being on a long car journey with someone who has a one-liner about everything.

The book is very much a popular history and if you want detailed economic or statistical analysis then look elsewhere. On its own terms it is an enjoyable read.

Marr doesn't shy away from expressing his own opinions, which is no bad thing when he makes clear that is what he is doing. No need to agree with everything he says. Not everyone will accept his analysis of the history of UK/US relations but it is refreshing that the "special relationship" is looked at sceptically and that Marr makes clear that the US has often acted in a way contrary to the UK's interests.

There are numerous grammatical and spelling errors if you care about that kind of thing. My copy omits a 35 page section commencing at about page 285, so check your copy is complete.

Leave Big Ears alone. (1/2 people found this helpful)

It is easy to see where the reviewers who gave this book 1 and 2 stars are coming from. They are offended by Marr's refusal to come down on their side of the political fence.

This is as balanced a view of the past 50 years as you are likely to get. OK, there are a couple of times when Marr drops his guard to reveal his personal views, but hey! you try writing 600+ pages of political/social history without giving something away.

I found this book compulsive reading, as much a page-turner as any novel I've read this year. Marr's writing style is endearing and there are many flashes of humour to laugh out loud about. His portrayal of the music and social scenes of the sixties and seventies is hugely enjoyable.

A History of Modern Britain

Andrew Marr

Reader Reviews:

Well written. Ideal for a sound knowledge of modern British History. (0/0 people found this helpful)

Very Enjoyable (0/1 people found this helpful)

Andrew Marr tells it how it was. (4/4 people found this helpful)

Iconoclastic historical survey (2/3 people found this helpful)

Leave Big Ears alone. (1/2 people found this helpful)

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