Peter AckroydDominion: The History of England Series, Book 5

Historically accurate. Very entertaining

Guns of August, The Proud Tower, others by Barbara Tuchman, are more expansive and more compelling and more comprehensive and more continental. (Not to mention histories by Churchill.) But for the real Brexity, Little Englander, this and other "English histories" by Ackroyd just might satisfy you.

Spoiler alert: this is NOT a love letter to Queen Victoria. What it is instead is a sprightly (almost conversational) narrative through the 19th century in Britain. My favorite anecdote: The incredible political gamesmanship that resulted in Catholic emancipation, starring an obese, addled King George IV.

I purchased the whole set and am reading it in order. Can't wait to get to Victoria.

The writer used a very different approach to telling history, seeming to jump from topic to topic, yet somehow maintain a narrative. It gives the whole a feeling of energy reminiscent of the period. Most of the writing is about politics, but he weaves in enough other stories to keep it interesting.

I look forward to reading and rereading this book. The delivered hardback was in very good shape.

This was a gift for my brother, and he loved it. It made a perfect Christmas gift for him. He loves English history, and this author in particular. Thanks for making my shopping very easy!

Love this book with so many facts but written in a lively and readable style. I always enjoy Ackroyd’s books.

The book is advertised as illustrated when in fact it isn’t. It only has a few illustrated pages all together, the rest is not illustrated.

This is a very good recounting of two centuries of English history, ending in January 1901 with the death of Queen Victoria. Well researched and footnoted. Highly recommended.

Peter Ackroyd manages to combine the great sweep of historical trends and ideas, yet ensures that key details push through to illustrate his theme. This is probably the penultimate work of this magnificent series - how will he deal with the 20th century.His narrative of Queen Victoria's reign is both broad and deep - a not to be put down page turner!

its a book

It’s wonderful to have read the final instalments (Dominion and Innovation) of The History of England by Peter Ackroyd. Each volume I have enjoyed, particularly the first four volumes in the series, which I read some time ago. The final two volumes in the series, though they are very well written, were not as engaging for me, and did not capture my attention so much as the earlier volumes, probably because I prefer the earlier periods rather than later periods of history.This does not detract, however, from the fact that all six volumes provide a wonderful, historical narrative, comparable (perhaps superior in some ways) to the volumes by David Starkey (Crown & Country), Christopher Lee (This Sceptred Isle), Rebecca Fraser (A People’s History of Britain) and Tracy Borman (Crown & Sceptre).I hope you find my review helpful.