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A History of Ancient Britain
Who were the first Britons, and what sort of world did they occupy? In A History of Ancient Britain, much-loved historian Neil Oliver turns a spotlight on the very beginnings of the story of Britain; on the first people to occupy these islands and their battle for survival. There has been human habitation in Britain, regularly interrupted by Ice Ages, for the best part of a million years. The last retreat of the glaciers 12,000 years ago brought a new and warmer age and with it, one of the greatest tsunamis recorded on Earth which struck the north-east of Britain, devastating the population and flooding the low-lying plains of what is now the North Sea. The resulting island became, in time, home to a diverse range of cultures and peoples who have left behind them some of the most extraordinary and enigmatic monuments in the world.Through what is revealed by the artefacts of the past, Neil Oliver weaves the epic story - half a million years of human history up to the departure of the Roman Empire in the Fifth Century AD. It was a period which accounts for more than ninety-nine per cent of humankind's presence on these islands.It is the real story of Britain and of her people.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2011
285 people are currently reading
3021 people want to read
About the author
Neil Oliver
53 books286 followersNeil Oliver is a Scottish archaeologist, historian, broadcaster and writer who has become widely known as the presenter of BBC television's series A History of Scotland and Coast.
His first fiction novel, Master of Shadows, is published by Orion in September 2015.
He lives in Stirling with his wife and three children.
His first fiction novel, Master of Shadows, is published by Orion in September 2015.
He lives in Stirling with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
January 9, 2022
frankly, i was mostly not impressed with the writing style (too much speculation based on not enough, or not clear enough, fact) and also, in the second chapter, "Caucasians, Asians, N****es", because apparently no editor picked up on that slur. add onto this the faintly racist feeling comments about the indigenous peoples of tierra del fuego... well.
i did, also, look up the author and discovered a few things: anti-vaxxer, presents on gb news (fox news equivalent for any lucky people who don't know), against scottish independence, & also compared opposing government anti-covid measures to fighting the nazis. sounds like a lovely guy...
i did, also, look up the author and discovered a few things: anti-vaxxer, presents on gb news (fox news equivalent for any lucky people who don't know), against scottish independence, & also compared opposing government anti-covid measures to fighting the nazis. sounds like a lovely guy...
December 19, 2011
This is a beautiful book. Neil Oliver presented the BBC TV series on this subject, which got me hooked, and he writes wonderfully, with a real enthusiasm and reverence for the subject. There are so many things here I didn't know, about the immense spread of time before written history, the trade and communications throughout this ancient world, their astonishing knowledge of astronomy, mining, and metal work, and much more, all based on archaeological discoveries which becoming more extensive and sophisticated all the time. I find I have to read it slowly, section by secion, but every page is fascianting, and he puts it all in the context of our own brief moment in time and space. Thoroughly recommended.
May 4, 2020
Sometimes I lie in bed and think about the recent ice age. I imagine what it might have been like right here, fifteen thousand years ago, on the spot where my house stands in northwest Oregon. It was a tundra landscape then, or taiga. The southern terminus of the North American ice cap was just 80 miles northward and the mountains to the east were locked in glaciers. In the lowlands were mastodons and mammoths, dire wolves and saber-toothed cats, herds of bison and elk. The valleys flooded periodically. My house might have looked out on a vast frozen lake in wintertime, or it might have been encased within that ice rink.
My little bungalow was built in 1929 on a lot fifty feet wide and one hundred deep. It was almost certainly the first human habitation ever to occupy this space. Ninety-one years is old for a house but no time at all in geology, so it's unlikely this patch of land returns my feeling of fond attachment. It never imagined that anyone like me would ever plant himself here. Fifteen thousand years ago there were no humans in Oregon or, arguably, in all of North America. As the ice retreated, tribes of people came over the Bering land bridge, wandered south, and eventually settled along the river not far from here, but those were not my people.
My people were six thousand miles away chasing megafauna around what was then the peninsula of Britain – peopling it anew after the ice had pushed their ancestors south long before. They would go on to do strange things, my tribe: raise circles of standing stones, learn to farm and cast bronze, sail the world, establish empires, and ship out their extra children, felons and social misfits in a diaspora to the far-flung corners of the world - to places like northwest Oregon, gray and rainy like the old ancestral island.
I’m not entirely sure how it happened but my ice age musings led me to read Neil Oliver’s A History of Ancient Britain, which covers a period from roughly half a million years ago to the Roman conquest. Oliver’s book is essentially an archaeological survey knit together by educated guesswork. It’s the companion piece to his 2011 television series for BBC Two, which I haven’t seen. Some bits are out of date (e.g. DNA analyses now prove that Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans interbred, an idea Oliver was inclined to doubt), but I especially enjoyed the two thirds of the book covering the period before the Iron Age, when human beings got uppity and troublesome.
People worry a lot these days about global warming, if they're not too busy worrying about pandemic viruses. When I was a kid in the 1970s, people worried instead that another ice age was just around the corner. I don’t care much about the debate or the science behind it all, but on the whole I prefer winter to summer. The thought of one big endless August of heat waves, wildfires, and withering sun I find miserably demoralizing. By contrast a new ice age – though it might wreak just as much havoc – sounds bracing, exciting, and full of adventure! Given the chance to pick my own dystopian climate future, I’ll go with the ice every time.
3.5 stars
My little bungalow was built in 1929 on a lot fifty feet wide and one hundred deep. It was almost certainly the first human habitation ever to occupy this space. Ninety-one years is old for a house but no time at all in geology, so it's unlikely this patch of land returns my feeling of fond attachment. It never imagined that anyone like me would ever plant himself here. Fifteen thousand years ago there were no humans in Oregon or, arguably, in all of North America. As the ice retreated, tribes of people came over the Bering land bridge, wandered south, and eventually settled along the river not far from here, but those were not my people.
My people were six thousand miles away chasing megafauna around what was then the peninsula of Britain – peopling it anew after the ice had pushed their ancestors south long before. They would go on to do strange things, my tribe: raise circles of standing stones, learn to farm and cast bronze, sail the world, establish empires, and ship out their extra children, felons and social misfits in a diaspora to the far-flung corners of the world - to places like northwest Oregon, gray and rainy like the old ancestral island.
I’m not entirely sure how it happened but my ice age musings led me to read Neil Oliver’s A History of Ancient Britain, which covers a period from roughly half a million years ago to the Roman conquest. Oliver’s book is essentially an archaeological survey knit together by educated guesswork. It’s the companion piece to his 2011 television series for BBC Two, which I haven’t seen. Some bits are out of date (e.g. DNA analyses now prove that Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans interbred, an idea Oliver was inclined to doubt), but I especially enjoyed the two thirds of the book covering the period before the Iron Age, when human beings got uppity and troublesome.
People worry a lot these days about global warming, if they're not too busy worrying about pandemic viruses. When I was a kid in the 1970s, people worried instead that another ice age was just around the corner. I don’t care much about the debate or the science behind it all, but on the whole I prefer winter to summer. The thought of one big endless August of heat waves, wildfires, and withering sun I find miserably demoralizing. By contrast a new ice age – though it might wreak just as much havoc – sounds bracing, exciting, and full of adventure! Given the chance to pick my own dystopian climate future, I’ll go with the ice every time.
3.5 stars
February 17, 2013
Neil Oliver is proving to be a historian of some note. The tie in TV series of the same name was excellent, and the book maintains that.
It covers the periods of history from the Mesolithic to the Romans, covered in relatively broad brush strokes whist having enough detail to captivate.
A must read for history fans.
It covers the periods of history from the Mesolithic to the Romans, covered in relatively broad brush strokes whist having enough detail to captivate.
A must read for history fans.
July 21, 2015
Interesting in parts, but some of Oliver's claims about prehistoric culture are dubious, e.g. he explains the rapid spread of farming by assuming that land would have been inherited according to primogeniture in 5000 BC, but asserts no evidence for this. Also it could bear some fact-checking: phases of the moon are not due to the shadow of the earth, as this is only cast on the moon during lunar eclipses, which only happen at full moon.
Francis Pryor's Britain BC is better. More tentative, to be sure, but Pryor aims to offer the reader a consideration of the evidence, rather than a yarn.
Francis Pryor's Britain BC is better. More tentative, to be sure, but Pryor aims to offer the reader a consideration of the evidence, rather than a yarn.
November 14, 2018
Absolutely beautiful. This is exactly what I like in a work of non-fiction: clear, concise, yet beautiful and flowing, the writing takes you to unknown places and times, giving you the microscopic details and the plane window view of ancient Britain. Particularly, I immensely enjoyed the passion that the author managed to express in writing, and how he manages to see magic in old ruins, a blacksmith's fire and a long dead skeleton. Spellbinding and smartly written, the sections are well tied into each other and create a coherent narrative, one which takes you on the most pleasant historical journey. I would recommend this to any curious reader, but also to any history buff.
December 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. There’s a lot of information, but the book never becomes dry or boring. Oliver’s writing is interesting, even funny at times, but never dull. I hadn’t read much regarding this particular time in Britain’s history, but this book quickly brought me up to speed, being immensely satisfying and informative.
A wide range of ages is covered, starting with the retreating ice 12,000 years ago (with a side trip to the beginnings of man,) to the retreat of the Romans seventeen centuries later. In between, you’re treated to the story of Bronze and Iron age people, and the invaders, and settlers, who would make the island their home. It’s a thoughtful and intensive history of the beginnings of Britain’s story.
A wide range of ages is covered, starting with the retreating ice 12,000 years ago (with a side trip to the beginnings of man,) to the retreat of the Romans seventeen centuries later. In between, you’re treated to the story of Bronze and Iron age people, and the invaders, and settlers, who would make the island their home. It’s a thoughtful and intensive history of the beginnings of Britain’s story.
January 7, 2014
There is something about Neil Oliver that is completely enthralling. Whether it is watching him weave his magic on the television, or reading his books, his passion for his subject is paramount. His enthusiasm is contagious. His knowledge utterly enviable. He is a fascinating story-teller of tales that are true.
As the written version of the BBC's documentary series of the same name, A History of Ancient Britain is certainly no exception. Although it is quite lengthy and absolutely packed-full of information, it doesn't feel "bogged down" in detail. A History of Ancient Britain is perfectly fluid, and easy to read and understand. It takes its reader back to the earliest pre-history, when humankind first stepped foot on the British Isles and made it their home, and then traces the evidence of their presence, customs and beliefs right through to the end of Roman occupation.
It is a mind-boggling and truly awe-inspiring journey.
Recommended.
As the written version of the BBC's documentary series of the same name, A History of Ancient Britain is certainly no exception. Although it is quite lengthy and absolutely packed-full of information, it doesn't feel "bogged down" in detail. A History of Ancient Britain is perfectly fluid, and easy to read and understand. It takes its reader back to the earliest pre-history, when humankind first stepped foot on the British Isles and made it their home, and then traces the evidence of their presence, customs and beliefs right through to the end of Roman occupation.
It is a mind-boggling and truly awe-inspiring journey.
Recommended.
January 15, 2021
Oliver looks at how the British Isles were formed; both the land itself and her people. It's an interesting topic and amazing to think that we're constantly walking on so much history. It was a little dry at times and didn't totally reflect the author's passion for history but still a good read.
March 18, 2020
Neil Oliver writes so engagingly that he even quashed my longstanding (and utterly unreasonable) prejudice against men with very long hair. He knows his stuff, and communicates his enthusiasm with infectious ease, and he interleaves the narrative with just enough about himself. So much better than that toothy gurning Brummie Brian Cox who is also omnipresent on television and in books of popular science. Oliver is vastly better, in my opinion, and not least because he is reasonable and measured in all his opinions. What a likeable chap, and what an excellent book.
September 18, 2016
I picked this up in the Stonehenge visitor centre shop when visiting this summer, feeling after my wander around the great site that I should improve my knowledge of prehistoric Britain.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed the TV series on which the book is based, but I found the book itself rather disappointing. There are massive gaps in the story presented here. The primary emphasis seems to be on what bones and artefacts tell us, as well as what seems to me to be rather unscientific speculations about religion and the meaning of life 10,000 or 4,000 or 2,000 years ago. What I desperately missed was: discussion of languages; when and how writing became prevalent; technology developments (other than just the arrival of bronze, iron, etc.); how livestock and arable farming techniques progressed; diet; changes in body shape and size; the landscapes within which our ancestors lived and how these were changed by man over time. There were a few brief mentions of such topics, but they seem poorly covered when compared to page after page about burial chambers unearthed and how these reflected an awareness of "something" beyond day-to-day life.
So, for me at least, an unsatisfactory read...I couldn't wait to finish the book, actually. I guess I shall need to look for other sources to satisfy my curiosity about the period.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed the TV series on which the book is based, but I found the book itself rather disappointing. There are massive gaps in the story presented here. The primary emphasis seems to be on what bones and artefacts tell us, as well as what seems to me to be rather unscientific speculations about religion and the meaning of life 10,000 or 4,000 or 2,000 years ago. What I desperately missed was: discussion of languages; when and how writing became prevalent; technology developments (other than just the arrival of bronze, iron, etc.); how livestock and arable farming techniques progressed; diet; changes in body shape and size; the landscapes within which our ancestors lived and how these were changed by man over time. There were a few brief mentions of such topics, but they seem poorly covered when compared to page after page about burial chambers unearthed and how these reflected an awareness of "something" beyond day-to-day life.
So, for me at least, an unsatisfactory read...I couldn't wait to finish the book, actually. I guess I shall need to look for other sources to satisfy my curiosity about the period.
December 1, 2018
A very interesting history of Britain starting as far as the Big Bang to the fall of Rome.
Not being accustomed to the period I learned a lot of very interesting things and the book helped me put a lot into context and perspective but...
I found the lyrical style and the long digressions of the author about his experiences/feelings/sensations somewhat boring after a while. The same goes for the descriptions of how items were found, not that interesting in my opinion.
I tend to prefer more academically structured books and the apparently disorganized narration put me off.
I didn't see the related TV documentary series but I'm pretty sure the author's style is better suited to a more visual media.
Not being accustomed to the period I learned a lot of very interesting things and the book helped me put a lot into context and perspective but...
I found the lyrical style and the long digressions of the author about his experiences/feelings/sensations somewhat boring after a while. The same goes for the descriptions of how items were found, not that interesting in my opinion.
I tend to prefer more academically structured books and the apparently disorganized narration put me off.
I didn't see the related TV documentary series but I'm pretty sure the author's style is better suited to a more visual media.
November 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this.
Full Review on my blog >> https://www.modquokka.com/single-post...
Neil Oliver's writing is engaging and fun. Given the broad breadth of topic ... all the way from the pre-historic Ice Ages to the retreat of the Roman Empire from the Isles of Britannia ... Oliver held my interest throughout.
The only word of caution I might mention is that, on occassion, Oliver engages in flights of fancy that border on fiction in order to get a point across. This is great (I enjoyed it) as a person interested in history and can see the benefit in terms of engagement, but from an academic point of view it might be sniffed at.
Not by me though.
It was fun.
Loved it. Recommend to all.
Full Review on my blog >> https://www.modquokka.com/single-post...
Neil Oliver's writing is engaging and fun. Given the broad breadth of topic ... all the way from the pre-historic Ice Ages to the retreat of the Roman Empire from the Isles of Britannia ... Oliver held my interest throughout.
The only word of caution I might mention is that, on occassion, Oliver engages in flights of fancy that border on fiction in order to get a point across. This is great (I enjoyed it) as a person interested in history and can see the benefit in terms of engagement, but from an academic point of view it might be sniffed at.
Not by me though.
It was fun.
Loved it. Recommend to all.
November 19, 2020
***(*)
Blame Lockdown - door het telewerken is mijn treinleestijd weggevallen, waardoor ik niet alleen trager lees maar ook veel minder notities maak terwijl ik lees, en ik dus ook minder onthou.
Dit boek beslaat de periode van wanneer de eerste mensachtige voet zette op wat nu Groot-Britannië is, nog voor de laatste ijstijd, tot het einde van de Romeinse heerschappij. Een tijdlijn die enorm uitgestrekt is, van een half miljoen jaar geleden tot de 5e eeuw in onze huidige tijdrekening.
Het is onmogelijk om alle details uit dit boek te onthouden, maar een paar dingen draag ik toch eeuwig mee: het leven met de natuur van de jager-verzamelaar tijdens het Mesolithicum, de mooie manier van afscheid nemen tijdens de winterzonnewende in Stonehenge, de overgang naar de landbouw en wat dit allemaal teweeg bracht.
Dit is het soort geschiedenisboek dat ik graag lees, met veel weetjes, met veel voorbeelden ook van dingen die men vond tijdens opgravingen en wat men hieruit leerde, en hoe eerder verworven inzichten toch weer moeten bijgesteld worden. Maar het meest van al apprecieer ik de bewondering en verwondering van de schrijver voor de dingen die hij onderzoekt, zijn eerbied voor onze voorouders.
En het meeste van al gaat dit boek nog over tijd, hoe relatief is tijd. Wanneer we spreken over bepaalde perioden uit ons verre verleden, dan is er tussen begin en einde van een bepaalde periode meer tijd verstreken dan tussen ons en de oude Egyptenaren. 2.000 jaar is slechts een oogwenk.
Blame Lockdown - door het telewerken is mijn treinleestijd weggevallen, waardoor ik niet alleen trager lees maar ook veel minder notities maak terwijl ik lees, en ik dus ook minder onthou.
Dit boek beslaat de periode van wanneer de eerste mensachtige voet zette op wat nu Groot-Britannië is, nog voor de laatste ijstijd, tot het einde van de Romeinse heerschappij. Een tijdlijn die enorm uitgestrekt is, van een half miljoen jaar geleden tot de 5e eeuw in onze huidige tijdrekening.
Het is onmogelijk om alle details uit dit boek te onthouden, maar een paar dingen draag ik toch eeuwig mee: het leven met de natuur van de jager-verzamelaar tijdens het Mesolithicum, de mooie manier van afscheid nemen tijdens de winterzonnewende in Stonehenge, de overgang naar de landbouw en wat dit allemaal teweeg bracht.
Dit is het soort geschiedenisboek dat ik graag lees, met veel weetjes, met veel voorbeelden ook van dingen die men vond tijdens opgravingen en wat men hieruit leerde, en hoe eerder verworven inzichten toch weer moeten bijgesteld worden. Maar het meest van al apprecieer ik de bewondering en verwondering van de schrijver voor de dingen die hij onderzoekt, zijn eerbied voor onze voorouders.
En het meeste van al gaat dit boek nog over tijd, hoe relatief is tijd. Wanneer we spreken over bepaalde perioden uit ons verre verleden, dan is er tussen begin en einde van een bepaalde periode meer tijd verstreken dan tussen ons en de oude Egyptenaren. 2.000 jaar is slechts een oogwenk.
January 7, 2022
Wonderful writing, as ever with Neil Oliver. Life and times from so long ago brought vividly to the eye. A real treat.
January 6, 2017
I've never normally been much of a fan of books written to accompany television series, much less history books. They tend to be too shallow for me, not enough detail and focus, and assume such a total lack of any pre-knowledge that means I find myself getting impatient with what is to me obvious information. Probably not a fair response, but you know, it's me and I'm the one reading these books. so...
But I'm happy to say that this book, written to accompany the BBC documentary series of the same name, was a delight to read from start to finish. Neil Oliver is an engaging presenter and his enthusiasm for his topic spills over onto every page. And added to that he is a fine writer, with a real skill for a poetic turn of phrase. I could hardly put this book down it was so interesting and well-written. The only times I did was when I had to turn to the computer to Google images of the artefacts and sites he was writing about.
Of course, it helps that it's a fascinating subject - the ancient pre-history of Britain, how these islands took on their shape, how the people who lived here became Britons, how we evolved from the Stone Age through to the Bronze and Iron Ages before becoming a recognisably more modern society with the advent of the Roman invasion. From burial mounds to passage tombs, handaxes to bronze swords, roundhouses, preserved boats, hunters and farmers, technological innovations and religion and magic, it's all here in this book.
In Britain we are blessed with so much history, so much still surviving that we scarcely pay attention to - if nothing else, this book has made me pay a little more attention to the world around me. Time and again Oliver makes reference to features I've walked past a dozen times - man-made hills, stone circles, hill-forts, ramparts and ditches - and made me realise how little we appreciate that traces of our ancient past surround us still all the time, how we are still very much a product of that world.
But I'm happy to say that this book, written to accompany the BBC documentary series of the same name, was a delight to read from start to finish. Neil Oliver is an engaging presenter and his enthusiasm for his topic spills over onto every page. And added to that he is a fine writer, with a real skill for a poetic turn of phrase. I could hardly put this book down it was so interesting and well-written. The only times I did was when I had to turn to the computer to Google images of the artefacts and sites he was writing about.
Of course, it helps that it's a fascinating subject - the ancient pre-history of Britain, how these islands took on their shape, how the people who lived here became Britons, how we evolved from the Stone Age through to the Bronze and Iron Ages before becoming a recognisably more modern society with the advent of the Roman invasion. From burial mounds to passage tombs, handaxes to bronze swords, roundhouses, preserved boats, hunters and farmers, technological innovations and religion and magic, it's all here in this book.
In Britain we are blessed with so much history, so much still surviving that we scarcely pay attention to - if nothing else, this book has made me pay a little more attention to the world around me. Time and again Oliver makes reference to features I've walked past a dozen times - man-made hills, stone circles, hill-forts, ramparts and ditches - and made me realise how little we appreciate that traces of our ancient past surround us still all the time, how we are still very much a product of that world.
January 6, 2019
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the previous one I read by this author (The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places) perhaps because he is an author better suited to being read in short snippets rather than long form text. Having said that, it is still an eminently readable book for those interested in the subject.
The book covers the whole history of Britain from the retreat of the ice 100,000 years ago to the end of the Roman era in relatively broad sweeps as shown by the chapters headings like "Bronze" and "Invasion". Note that it only covers the island of Great Britain, so excludes Ireland. As is usual for the author, there is a Scottish emphasis to the book which is perhaps more easily forgiven in the earlier parts where "history has trodden more lightly on the past in the North", meaning that more relics of the past have survived in the wilder places of Scotland than in the more heavily populated southern lands. This tends to go more awry later on when more of an emphasis in the south would have balanced the book better.
In the end I don't think that I learned a huge amount that was totally new to me, but I would still recommend it if your knowledge of British history starts at 43 A.D. (which is true for a lot of British children, the prehistory of Britain is simply ignored in schools for the most part)
The book covers the whole history of Britain from the retreat of the ice 100,000 years ago to the end of the Roman era in relatively broad sweeps as shown by the chapters headings like "Bronze" and "Invasion". Note that it only covers the island of Great Britain, so excludes Ireland. As is usual for the author, there is a Scottish emphasis to the book which is perhaps more easily forgiven in the earlier parts where "history has trodden more lightly on the past in the North", meaning that more relics of the past have survived in the wilder places of Scotland than in the more heavily populated southern lands. This tends to go more awry later on when more of an emphasis in the south would have balanced the book better.
In the end I don't think that I learned a huge amount that was totally new to me, but I would still recommend it if your knowledge of British history starts at 43 A.D. (which is true for a lot of British children, the prehistory of Britain is simply ignored in schools for the most part)
March 29, 2012
A History of Ancient Britain is nothing less than a thoughtful, fascinating and enlivening account of life in ancient Britain, starting way back with the ice ages and leading up to the time of the Romans. Neil Oliver reveals the incredible extent of the layers of human occupation of Britain, referring to 'deep time' as the sense of the massive history that lies beneath us all. All through the book I found myself wanting to mark pages that mentioned places I'd love to go and see, or go and look up more information on the internet about some or other interesting artefact.
The book is a companion to? result of? the BBC series of the same name, which I'd watched before I read the book, so the entire text played itself back in my head in Neil Oliver's lovely Scottish accent (*swoon*). Having already seen his enthusiasm for his subject on the small screen, it wasn't hard to imagine his excitement and awe at some of the places and artefacts he examined, which weren't covered in the series. My only regret is that not all of the things he saw were included in the two photograph sections, but then, that's what the internet is for, isn't it?
My mental map of Britain is already marked up for our next foray across the Channel. And now I'm going to buy his other book, A History of Scotland.
The book is a companion to? result of? the BBC series of the same name, which I'd watched before I read the book, so the entire text played itself back in my head in Neil Oliver's lovely Scottish accent (*swoon*). Having already seen his enthusiasm for his subject on the small screen, it wasn't hard to imagine his excitement and awe at some of the places and artefacts he examined, which weren't covered in the series. My only regret is that not all of the things he saw were included in the two photograph sections, but then, that's what the internet is for, isn't it?
My mental map of Britain is already marked up for our next foray across the Channel. And now I'm going to buy his other book, A History of Scotland.
August 18, 2018
Although the book is on a subject I am fascinated in, and is well written, I found myself longing to finish it. The problem was, I just couldn’t read more than 10 or so pages at a time. The book accompanies a TV series, and it unfortunately shows. The chapters are too long, and the abrupt changes of scene without so much as a lines gap are, at times confusing and or irritating. There is also far too much nonsense about the special treatment he gets (typical stuff for a TV format).
In short, lots of good information, but it left me wanting the same book written by a real archaeologist/historian.
In short, lots of good information, but it left me wanting the same book written by a real archaeologist/historian.
December 9, 2018
As a tour of ancient sites it makes for interesting reading, but some of Oliver's commentary is quite bizarre. He also struggles to bring everything together into an actual narrative, offering no explanation of how iron reached Britain, and almost no mention of the Indo-European peoples.
Altogether, somewhat disappointing - as a first taster of ancient archaeology I found it interesting, but there are almost certainly much better books out there.
Altogether, somewhat disappointing - as a first taster of ancient archaeology I found it interesting, but there are almost certainly much better books out there.
May 28, 2023
I liked this book . Neil Oliver is a great historical author. I leaned a lot from this book.
January 3, 2024
As with all the Neil Oliver books I have read so far, this is no different in its ability to get across the fascinating history of human beings in a passionate and visceral way.
Spanning from technically the beginning of the universe but really around the time of the last ice age, this book delves into the history of our ancestors on the British Isles right up until the Roman exodus from them around 400 AD.
Wonderfully written with clear extensive research and honesty, Oliver never shys away from saying “we don’t know” and unlike some other history writers, he is comfortable saying “we may never know why this or that happened” only speculating when the physical evidence hints to a conclusion… which is greatly appreciate.
The vast amounts of knowledge he DOES pour into this book are extremely interesting and backed up by his own expertise/research and direct quotes from professionals in that field (no pun intended).
A few things that knocked a star off for me: I couldn’t help but feel that the chapters went off in semi-unrelated directions occasionally which affected the flow of the book. Some anecdotes/stories from different time periods to what the book is about felt completely misplaced and left me thinking “what’s that got to do with anything?” but this was rare and they mostly paid off.
Secondly, as much as I love Scotland, I really do! I couldn’t help but feel it was given more time here than maybe a fair relative percentage would have warranted. Maybe we have discovered more artefacts etc in Scotland relative to the rest of the UK and if so, so be it, but I feel it’s more likely that Oliver’s proud Scotsman personality (which I have no problem with) squeezed its way in just a touch too much here. Could Ireland, wales and other parts of England have featured more? Maybe…
I don’t see how reading about the history of humanity will ever be boring… When incredible ancient landmarks dot our home as frequently as they do and the likes of local places like Creswell Crags are mentioned, showcasing real tangible evidence that I can go visit anytime, you can’t help but be excited.
This truth, coupled with Oliver’s passion and rare ability to bring to life these places from the page, makes for a very enjoyable read with just a few missteps.
Spanning from technically the beginning of the universe but really around the time of the last ice age, this book delves into the history of our ancestors on the British Isles right up until the Roman exodus from them around 400 AD.
Wonderfully written with clear extensive research and honesty, Oliver never shys away from saying “we don’t know” and unlike some other history writers, he is comfortable saying “we may never know why this or that happened” only speculating when the physical evidence hints to a conclusion… which is greatly appreciate.
The vast amounts of knowledge he DOES pour into this book are extremely interesting and backed up by his own expertise/research and direct quotes from professionals in that field (no pun intended).
A few things that knocked a star off for me: I couldn’t help but feel that the chapters went off in semi-unrelated directions occasionally which affected the flow of the book. Some anecdotes/stories from different time periods to what the book is about felt completely misplaced and left me thinking “what’s that got to do with anything?” but this was rare and they mostly paid off.
Secondly, as much as I love Scotland, I really do! I couldn’t help but feel it was given more time here than maybe a fair relative percentage would have warranted. Maybe we have discovered more artefacts etc in Scotland relative to the rest of the UK and if so, so be it, but I feel it’s more likely that Oliver’s proud Scotsman personality (which I have no problem with) squeezed its way in just a touch too much here. Could Ireland, wales and other parts of England have featured more? Maybe…
I don’t see how reading about the history of humanity will ever be boring… When incredible ancient landmarks dot our home as frequently as they do and the likes of local places like Creswell Crags are mentioned, showcasing real tangible evidence that I can go visit anytime, you can’t help but be excited.
This truth, coupled with Oliver’s passion and rare ability to bring to life these places from the page, makes for a very enjoyable read with just a few missteps.
November 7, 2018
I picked up a copy of this book while visiting Hadrian’s Wall, having been familiar with Mr. Oliver’s work on the History of Scotland which I had picked up the last time I visited the UK. Once again, Neil Oliver’s enthusiasm and passion for his homeland’s history leaps out of the pages. He invites us on a journey from the Neolithic era up to the end of the Roman era, describing the findings both old and recently uncovered as well as explaining new and outdated theories on ancient British history.
I felt privileged to be reading the book while I was physically present at some of the sights he mentions – namely Stonehenge , the Housesteads at Hadrian’s Wall and the Lakes District. It was almost surreal to be there while reading about how significant the findings in these places are to British history. Having this book as a companion while visiting the sites felt like I was having insider information; it certainly added to my excitement – sort of like having a personal archaeologist explaining to me the significance of the finds.
I absolutely devoured the book. It was wonderful to read and the way it was written is perfect for a history lover with no formal training.
I felt privileged to be reading the book while I was physically present at some of the sights he mentions – namely Stonehenge , the Housesteads at Hadrian’s Wall and the Lakes District. It was almost surreal to be there while reading about how significant the findings in these places are to British history. Having this book as a companion while visiting the sites felt like I was having insider information; it certainly added to my excitement – sort of like having a personal archaeologist explaining to me the significance of the finds.
I absolutely devoured the book. It was wonderful to read and the way it was written is perfect for a history lover with no formal training.
January 21, 2019
Such a good read. Without any pictures of diagrams, the author brings history to live in vivid detail. In the shambles and international embarrassment that is currently Brexit Britain, this book is a nice sense of perspective. Very well written and very informative. Bravo!
July 14, 2022
If you ignore the occasional strange diversions (eg that the Bible mentions Neanderthals) this is a good overview of 30k years of human history in Britain.
September 1, 2023
This is a fun read. A whistle-stop through thousands of years of ancient Britain. From ice ages, stone ages through to roman ages.
The first couple of chapters flow better than the final couple. But it ties in to a BBC series of around 2011, and is slightly out of date now.
The first couple of chapters flow better than the final couple. But it ties in to a BBC series of around 2011, and is slightly out of date now.
July 24, 2025
A fascinating read, definitely recommend!
I thought the book did a better job on the earlier sections than the sections focused on the last 2000 years though part of that could be a bias towards learning about ancient history versus after the start of the Iron Age.
I thought the book did a better job on the earlier sections than the sections focused on the last 2000 years though part of that could be a bias towards learning about ancient history versus after the start of the Iron Age.
June 18, 2014
This book is even better than A history of Scotland, in terms of his infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge of the subject shining through even brighter.
This is world history viewed and analysed from a well placed rock in Scotland.- He manages to not bog the reader down in minute technical detail meant for his fellow archeologists. Instead one is invited to take part in his fascination with everything from stone tools to Roman villas and the mere fact that we're are here at all, and all the things that had to happen exactely so, for that to be the case.
Mr. Oliver livens matters up with well timed humour, and personal anectdotes help make it all seem more real; he is a very accomplished educator.
He is not only an archeologist who knows his subject as such, he has the extraordinary and rare ability to pass on not only information, but also to make people interested - and sustain that interest - in the different topics he adresses in this book.
( A map of the UK would have been nice, though :) )
This is world history viewed and analysed from a well placed rock in Scotland.- He manages to not bog the reader down in minute technical detail meant for his fellow archeologists. Instead one is invited to take part in his fascination with everything from stone tools to Roman villas and the mere fact that we're are here at all, and all the things that had to happen exactely so, for that to be the case.
Mr. Oliver livens matters up with well timed humour, and personal anectdotes help make it all seem more real; he is a very accomplished educator.
He is not only an archeologist who knows his subject as such, he has the extraordinary and rare ability to pass on not only information, but also to make people interested - and sustain that interest - in the different topics he adresses in this book.
( A map of the UK would have been nice, though :) )
May 26, 2015
A fantastic read for any history buffs, Neil Oliver brings such a wit and charm that it gives the book the feel of chatting with one of your mates in the pub.
The book covers quite an extensive period of history, at least for us humans, but Mr. Oliver nicely weaves the drier records & historical records with his adventures visiting these often remote archaeological sites. Maybe not quite Indiana Jones, Neil Oliver is still quite a gifted writer, and this book goes nicely with his next book "Vikings". Together, they cover the history of much of northern Europe up till the early Renaissance.
The book also comes with two sections of photos, so that the reader can see for themselves the sites and artifacts that Mr. Oliver is taking about. It amazes me what archeologists can glean form the evidence of the past, and thinking about how much out lives have changed from the semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers that wandered the planet always puts life's problems in proper perspective. Great read!
The book covers quite an extensive period of history, at least for us humans, but Mr. Oliver nicely weaves the drier records & historical records with his adventures visiting these often remote archaeological sites. Maybe not quite Indiana Jones, Neil Oliver is still quite a gifted writer, and this book goes nicely with his next book "Vikings". Together, they cover the history of much of northern Europe up till the early Renaissance.
The book also comes with two sections of photos, so that the reader can see for themselves the sites and artifacts that Mr. Oliver is taking about. It amazes me what archeologists can glean form the evidence of the past, and thinking about how much out lives have changed from the semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers that wandered the planet always puts life's problems in proper perspective. Great read!
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