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A History of Modern Britain

Author: Andrew Marr
Publisher: Pan Books
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

16 reviews
Sales Rank: 25

Media: Paperback
Pages: 629
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.2 x 1.9

ISBN: 0330439839
EAN: 9780330439831
ASIN: 0330439839

Publication Date: May 2, 2008 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Guranteed Brand New. Available for immediate delivery from UK address.

Also Available In:

•	Hardcover - A History of Modern Britain
•	Audio CD - A History of Modern Britain
•	Hardcover - A History of Modern Britain

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Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Unusual History Book, it made me laugh. April 5, 2008
Just finished "what a surprise" reading a History book. The author's entertaining voice can be heard all through it. He also wetted my appetite for another book on the personal insults politicians have thrown at each other, please write it Mr Marr. I don't think he ever intended this book to be a heavyweight, academic history book, so choose it with this in mind. I finished this book knowing that I'd learned some more recent British History and I actually enjoyed doing it. I Laughed out Load several times, yes, it is better to laugh than cry at most of the mistakes made by our political leaders. So in my Mr Average opinion it is a beneficial read. Unfortunately for all of us in Britain this book has a bit of a sad ending.

4 out of 5 stars

I think the word 'Political' is missing from the title March 31, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I originally bought this book after hearing about the TV programme and reading the reviews on here and also because I thought it would be a good education for me.

As I neared the end of the book I re-read the reviews here and was somewhat surprised to see some 1 and 2 star reviews, although on reading them I did agree with some of their content.

Overall the book as far as what I hoped to get out of it was 5 stars. Very readable and a great review of politics from 1945 until 2006.

However I do have some comments about it. I didn't quite understand the infrequent dips into non-political issues e.g. fashion in the 1960s. Although I can understand that this was an important backdrop to the political situation (more liberal rules etc) the 'dipping' was a little inconsistent, almost as if either Andrew Marr or the publisher had said 'Nice book can you do a few non-political bits please?'. I did enjoy the 'dips' but wonder whether the book would be better without them, or with more of them? On balance they could probably have been worked in within the theme of the politics hence my title for my review - the book shoudl be A Political History of Modern Britain.

I was also a bit disappointed that more detail was not given to decimalisation (a couple of lines) which as an 11 year old I remember very clearly - surely that was a political hot potato worthy of more discussion?

As for the reviewer who complained it was like A-level History, well I didn't do that and for me the depth of the writing was enough, but I accept that perhaps the book is very superficial, though I have to say highly enjoyable.

These comments would not have made me drop a star in my rating, but the appalling typos I am afraid do, so 4 not 5.

Well worth reading though despite my tiny reservations.

4 out of 5 stars

Well written. Ideal for a sound knowledge of modern British History. February 17, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

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.

4 out of 5 stars

Very Enjoyable January 16, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review 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.

4 out of 5 stars

Andrew Marr tells it how it was. January 11, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review 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.