This Sceptred Isle: The Making of the British

This Sceptred Isle

by Christopher Lee

From the Dark Ages after the Romans' departure to the changes made during the Industrial Revolution, 'This Sceptred Isle' brings more than 2000 years of history to life for those interested in Britain's past, present, or future.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

592 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012

About the author

Christopher Lee was a British writer, historian, and broadcaster, best known for creating and writing the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 documentary series This Sceptred Isle. His career spanned journalism, academia, military service, and historical writing.
After an early life at sea, he studied history at London University before joining the BBC as a defence and foreign affairs correspondent, with postings in Moscow and the Middle East. He later transitioned into academia, becoming the first Quatercentenary Fellow in Contemporary History at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and conducting research at Birkbeck College. He also served in the Royal Navy's Joint Intelligence Reserve Branch, reaching the rank of captain.
Lee’s This Sceptred Isle, originally broadcast in 1995, chronicled British history from Roman times to the 20th century and was expanded with additional series covering the 20th century and the British Empire. His historical works include 1603, Nelson and Napoleon, and Monarchy, Past, Present… and Future?, as well as an abridgment of Winston Churchill's A History of the English-Speaking Peoples. He was also a prolific radio playwright, penning over 100 plays and series for BBC Radio 4.
Beyond writing, he served as a defence and foreign affairs adviser to the British Forces Broadcasting Service for 30 years and was involved in policy analysis.
He divided his time between Sussex and Florence, Italy, and was married to portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay. Lee passed away in 2021 at the age of 79.

Reviews

[Cthonus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely companion to the BBC Radio Series of the same name, but suffers from a brevity not found in the broadcast, rendering it in places almost a list of characters and events to learn by rote.

Lee is indebted to Churchill in the same manner as future historians will be indebted to Lee.

[Michellestevens234 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on British royal history. Not an easy, or quick, read. However, incredibly interesting

[Michael Both · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Learn the history that led to Britain's current confused place in the world. Very succinctly presented and easy to follow.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This history of Britain opens in the year 77,000 BC. Events from 1901 are more or less summarised. After all, there are many accounts of the two world wars and of the twentieth century in general.

I was most interested in the English origins up to the late 1500s, as from 1600 onwards the author focuses more and more on all things political, as well as on colonialism, and neither topic appeals to me. Had that not been the case I would have awarded this tome 4 or maybe even 5 stars, as Lee's writing is good, and his account of per-seventeenth century Britain is very engaging.

If, however, you are interested in politics and colonialism then you'll probably enjoy this book on the whole. I'm just expressing personal taste and do not want to put the author down, as he has produced a through document of Britain's past with this heavy tome.


My only real criticism is the account of Henry VI's death. Although this Lancastrian monarch is rumoured to have been murdered either on Edward IV's or Richard III's orders, I've always been of the understanding that Henry died/was murdered in the Tower of London. According to the author of this book:

"Edward IV then returned to London, dragged out the hapless King Henry VI and beheaded him."

Henry VI was beheaded? This is news to me. If anyone can confirm that Lee's got it right and all other sources are wrong, please let me know.

Apart from the above point, Lee has detailed some interesting and fascinating events from English history.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a BBC Radio 4 series from the 1990's and extended from the original book to cover 1901-2006. This gives a broad view of the history of Britain from a very English perspective. What is refreshing is that it does not just cover the well worn paths of others nor does it apologise for our history as many modern works are tending to do.
A good read for someone who has an interest in learning more about this land of ours.

[Backslash · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good even great for the first half of the book but then it got terribly boring for the second half. Once the story got to the 18th century the book got far too detailed... I would still recommend it to someone desiring an easy overview of British history though.