The Usborne History of Britain (Usborne Internet-linked Reference): 1

We live in France and I bought this book for our son who wanted a book on the history of Britain since he is only hearing about French history at school. I wasn't sure if it would be too old for him but thought I could learn something from it anyway. It is brilliant, chunks of information, lots of illustrations, timeline and maps. it is an easy layout and enjoyable read making history accessible and digestible. The book just sits on the table and almost every day he opens it up for a read whether for a few minutes or for much longer. I wish that Usborne did similar books in the same format with other themes. This book seems to bridge the gap between kids history books and young adult but can also be enjoyed by all the family. Thanks Usborne! Please do one on France now

I first found this book in a museum shop and promptly put it on my Christmas present wish list. Where Santa failed, Amazon delivered. This is one of my favourite history books. And I got many - quite a few on an academic level. But none is so beautifully and richly illustrated as this one. The kids agree and are clearly drawn to it as well. So you'll get a vast, over-500 page hard-cover book that actually displays nicely, if you wish. It reads very well, is very clear and chronologically structured. The book offers a fair bit of detail occasionally in either the text or illustrations. And there are quite a few things, even when quite basic, that I found brilliantly explained. From an educational point of view I would say children in year-4 should be able to read it with some ease, perhaps with help & guidance. But those a little older will fully appreciate and enjoy it on their own. As the book spans 5000 years of British (mostly English) history you generally get a synopsis of most topics. Thus it generally doesn't go into a tremendous amount of depth and detail . However, for example there are still over 50 pages on Roman Britain. As with all history books it remains a product of our time. And as this book was first published 10 years ago it will inevitably and progressively fail to strike the right political chord with some readers. In particular with over-cynical and inquiring Millenials and their Gen Y-successors. But that's not the purpose of the book; its meant as an introduction and reference for young children. So yes, because of the wide span of the book there is limited room for dialogue or perspective. For example the conditions of women feature prominently, but it's the male rulers that get most attention. In the same vein the role of Britain in slave trade, the Boer war or colonisation could have been questioned. Nevertheless in my view this doesn't make this a less attractive introduction to history. There are other books or online references for that. All in all - I love the book. And I wish/hope Usborne would issue similar national histories of other countries (start with Spain, France, China, and the US for example. Or do proper justice to Scotland).

Beautiful quality. So many books nowadays have poor texture paper used for the pages but this book is a treat to touch and the illustration are great. Bought as a gift for my grandson.

An excellent starting point for Young children 9+ and teenagers who want to know more about the different periods in British History.. A book full of colour and facts ...

The product itself is good as described very good condition. However, the poor wrapping without any layers damaged the corners of the book miserably, shame!

I’m not sure what age this book is aimed at. I’m an old adult, I found the book easy to read and most informative. I detected some event omissions, but having said that it’s not easy to condense 2000 years of history into 500 pages. I wish I could give an extra star for the ribbon page marker

I got The Usborne History of Britain (Internet-linked Reference). It’s a cloth-bound book with a ribbon marker and a nice jacket, and it covers British history from prehistoric times to around the turn of the millennium. I found it easy to dip into rather than read cover to cover. The internet links add videos and interactive bits, which can be useful. I paid £5.81 at the time, which felt reasonable. If buying on Amazon Prime, delivery is free and there’s usually a 30-day return window if something isn’t right.

I bought this book because my history is lacking - I gave it up early at school as I didn't enjoy it. I'm now 38 and wish I knew more history - and am aware that, not being much of an intellectual, the only way I'll bother to read it "neat", as it were (not in the form of a historical novel) is if it is clearly and simply explained, with illustrations. This book is perfect! I recently visited some of the prehistoric sites in Wiltshire and wanted to read about prehistoric people in Britain - but not anything too dry or serious. The descriptions of prehistoric life show understanding and imagination - and I love the pictures. This book really is one to treasure, to dip into often, and is extremely informative in a very readable way. I should have bought it years ago!

Excellent livre ! Ludique et bourré d'informations nécessaires à la compréhension de la civilisation britannique. Les illustrations sont superbes et les textes, très bien construits ! Bravo.

The humour and vivid images make this book an attractive invitation to British history for non specialists. While the authors may have had children in mind when putting the book together, it contains insights that should open the eyes of most adults as well. I expect my non-British students of English language and culture to find a delightful temptation, especially in its component parts. The internet links increase the attraction for most young people today.

makes history easy for the children

A highly recommended history book for every family. Would make a great present. Gives a great background to the entire story of Britian in a fluid way.

I've purchased this book to get my 7 year old son as excited about English history as I am. We've had the book for two years now and he is reading it in his leisure hours all on his own accord. I don't have to read it aloud to him anymore. The book is well written and well-organized, with a ton of interesting information packed into a beautiful lay-out with high-quality illustrations and photographs. The paper is of a very good quality, glossy and sturdy, nice to the touch. With this book studying history is a pleasure, not a chore.