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

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

The book contents are comprehensive and written in an accessible language, making it an ideal supplement to school coursework.

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).

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!

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 am French living in UK and my children go to English schools and I was looking for a book on the History of Britain for us to be more acquainted with the English past. This book was recommended to me and it is fantastic. I am so glad I bought it. It is very attractive and my children love it. In the description, it says -Usborne Internet-linked Reference- but you do not need to go to the internet. There is a link in the Fact Files if you want to. The book is concise. It is attractive to look at, the illustrations are very good, the font is not too small. But at 510 more or less pages, it is quite heavy. From Pre-history Britain to the Millenium.We are great fans of Usborne publishers at home, and once again, I can only delight in the quality of the work.At £14.75, this book is excellent value. It would make a nice gift too.

Daughter refers to this book all the time to assist with her studies. Very insightful.