This Sceptred Isle Twentieth Century

This Sceptred Isle #11-15

by Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee’s seminal history series, which accompanied the award–winning BBC radio series, narrates the rich and gripping story of Britain, from the Roman Invasion in 55 BC to the dawn of the 21st century. Focusing on the key characters and pivotal events that have shaped British history, these books are essential reading for anyone with an interest in Britain’s past, present, or future.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

512 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 1999

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

[Lara]

Fascinating year by year précis of British history in the twentieth century. Concentrating on politics with a nod to popular culture. How the country has lurched from one crisis to another. And survived.

[Kyla Squires]

Still could use more details. At least it inspired me to read more and more and more.

[Katherine]

A well written book that goes through the 20th century history of the British Isles.

[Iain Parkes]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13538171