English History?

T

Timewise 60+

Senior Member
As I have aged, I realized that I have never studied or read anything about the history of England. I know some about England during WWII and WWI. But beyond that I am poorly educated. Therefore, I am going to start reading books on the topic. Does anyone have recommendations on what books will give me the best introduction to English history?

My reason for this is I have always admired what England has done prior to and during the world wars. Now I have time to learn more...
 

Two books that I remember from school. They are both a generalisation, but very informative.
A People's History of England by Arthur Morton.
Foundation: The History of England From it's Beginnings to the Tudors. By Peter Ackroyd.
 
Timewise 60+ said:
As I have aged, I realized that I have never studied or read anything about the history of England. I know some about England during WWII and WWI. But beyond that I am poorly educated. Therefore, I am going to start reading books on the topic. Does anyone have recommendations on what books will give me the best introduction to English history?

My reason for this is I have always admired what England has done prior to and during the world wars. Now I have time to learn more...
Click to expand...

Where do you want to start, and how deep to you want to go into it each aspect of English history. I would have thought that even well educated Historians would struggle with getting a grasp on all of English history.

How far back do you want to go?

Are you thinking of buying books; going to a Library, or both? You could lean about the event of just one small area of England, and it could tell you the whole story of a nation?

Would you also consider well made documentary’s to go along with books?

Could this be the type of history you might be interested in. The history of the ‘ruling classes’ is just one aspect. How about the history of ‘ordinary people’?:

Part 1 of 6 episodes, with a BBC book to accompany it, I think? "Michael Wood's Story of England":

 
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Magna-Carta said:
Where do you want to start, and how deep to you want to go into it each aspect of English history. I would have thought that even well educated Historians would struggle with getting a grasp on all of English history.

How far back do you want to go?

Are you thinking of buying books; going to a Library, or both? You could lean about the event of just one small area of England, and it could tell you the whole story of a nation?

Would you also consider well made documentary’s to go along with books?

Could this be the type of history you might be interested in. The history of the ‘ruling classes’ is just one aspect. How about the history of ‘ordinary people’?:

Part 1 of 6 episodes, with a BBC book to accompany it, I think? "Michael Wood's Story of England":

Click to expand...
Sorry, I have been slow in getting back. I have decided to use books to get an overview of English history, from that I can drill in on areas of particular interest. I prefer to do some reading to begin this process, as I absorb better things that I read. I will use the library system coupled with books I find I want to purchase. I like documentary's and don't mind watching things on PC's or TV's. But, as I say I do not absorb as much detail... I will checkout Michael Wood's Story of England, as you suggested, assuming I can find it.

If you have any added suggestions, please feel free to pass them on.....

Thanks for the help!
 

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