A History of Britain

...or rather fifteen cleverly constructed, flawlessly executed and lavishly produced deliberately personal one-hour essays on British history.

Schama's mixture of broad strokes and an often overwhelming wealth of information, narrated in a rather highbrow if stylistically splendid fashion by the host himself with a vaguely vain, but nonetheless likable air of ironic detachment and unbiasedness, may not be to everyone's taste, but proves to be a deeply satisfying way to spend an exciting 15 hours.

Keep in mind: It's A History, not THE History of Britain! Enjoy the often unpredictable connections Schama lays open without taking them for granted.

8 out of 10 history repeatings

Don't waste your money buying it and don't waste your time watching it. Two examples of the revisionist history that permeates the entire work: Covers the entire Napoleonic period with two or three side comments concerning that 20 plus years of World war. Uses the Duke of Wellington's description of the Battle of Waterloo totally out of context; as a description of the British social/political crises during the Napoleonic period. However, what would you expect from today's BBC other than a politically correct perspective of history?

Having recently watched the episode "A History Of Britain" with my fellow A-level class, i wanted to share my enjoyment on such a gripping documentary. I find myself able to agree with Schama's revisionist interpretation on the causes of the civil war. Simon's enthusiasm helped bring entertainment to the episode as well as portraying a picture into the audiences minds. However at times this "enthusiasm" came across as being slightly pompous and arrogant. But in comparison to David Starkey who uses more academic language, i found Simon Schama a lot easier to follow and understand. I think he did an excellent job at replaying the causes of the civil war and i would strongly recommend other A level students to watch this to help broaden their historical knowledge.

This is an extremely subjective documentary series, not evenly-balanced. Yes, I enjoyed it; it was entertaining, but not purely history. 8/10.

Simon Schama is not a revisionist; he's a reviver; a magical veterinarian, who has resuscitated a dead horse. And that's not simple. Kudos to Simon Schama and his fabulous series. A History of Britain is exactly that: a history, not the history. It's entertaining, exactly what the teaching of history should be; it bakes, rendering couch potatoes unstrung; and it's downright riveting. The BBC have always produced the best in documentary programming, and A History of Britain does not disappoint. If you have to beg, borrow or steal, it is highly recommended that anyone with half a brain dash off and purchase this jewel. Thank you and goodnight.