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The Young Oxford History of Britain and Ireland
A major new history for young readers, this volume brings to life the people, places and events that make up the past of Ireland and Britain. Starting with the earliest settlers on these islands, The Young Oxford History of Britain and Ireland maps the social, economic, cultural, and
technological developments of the ages up until the present day. We hear the stories of ordinary people and extraordinary rulers--the reformers and rebels, scientists, thinkers, and artists--who shaped the centuries and of the discoveries and inventions that changed their everyday lives.
With over 500 stunning illustrations, including maps, family trees, paintings, photographs, and timelines, as well as double-page feature spreads on important topics such as the printing press and the steam engine, The Young Oxford History of Britain and Ireland is an engrossing read, a visual
feast, a valuable reference resource, and a lasting treasure-trove of information.
technological developments of the ages up until the present day. We hear the stories of ordinary people and extraordinary rulers--the reformers and rebels, scientists, thinkers, and artists--who shaped the centuries and of the discoveries and inventions that changed their everyday lives.
With over 500 stunning illustrations, including maps, family trees, paintings, photographs, and timelines, as well as double-page feature spreads on important topics such as the printing press and the steam engine, The Young Oxford History of Britain and Ireland is an engrossing read, a visual
feast, a valuable reference resource, and a lasting treasure-trove of information.
- GenresHistory
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 1997
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Mike Corbishley
69 books1 followerMike Corbishley has been a teacher and an archaeologist who has conducted excavations in England.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 3, 2021
I've reviewed some iffy history books lately, so it's good to come to one of real quality. Physically well-produced, authoritative, readable, and nicely illustrated, this is as good a single-volume history of Britain for (I would say) ages 8-14 as you could reasonably expect to find. It has enough depth to provide a real narrative, not just a lot of unconnected nuggets. Interestingly, the writers are not history professors; maybe that detracts from the book's authority, but I suppose they couldn't find any who could write fluent English.
However it's not perfect. There are a fair number of small but irritating errors - eg a map of Scotland puts Stirling on the wrong side of the country, 'cavalier' is said to come from Spanish 'caballero' rather than French 'chevalier'. The medieval guy is really gunning for the church; some of the things he writes are utter twaddle, such as that the survival of medieval churches gives a misleading impression of the importance of faith. It's difficult to believe he could say such a thing if he had any real familiarity with medieval culture: all of it, secular as well as overtly religious, is permeated by Christianity through and through. It seems he has completely failed to understand the cultural climate of the time. The past is another country, as they say, and the historian is like a visiting ambassador. He can have all the facts - although in this case he prefers to base his suggestions on the absence of facts - but if he's not able to put himself in the other guy's shoes he will end up misunderstanding.
This anti-clericalism is part of the book's overall left wing agenda: pro-peasant, pro-Celtic, anti-monarchy. It only really covers Irish history where it intersects with that of England; one chapter refers to Ireland as 'England's back door' - do you know what Ireland says to you about that?. But I think you would expect that; if you want a thorough treatment of Ireland you would buy a specialist book.
Published in 1996, it obviously only goes up to that point; but children's history seems to have gone to pot since then through the influence of the dreaded (and accurately named) Horrible Histories. It's better to have an older book which is relatively sound, than a rubbish recent one. Besides, apart from the Northern Ireland peace process, we have had the good fortune in the last 20 years to live in 'uninteresting times'. I only hope the next 20 will be as uninteresting...
However it's not perfect. There are a fair number of small but irritating errors - eg a map of Scotland puts Stirling on the wrong side of the country, 'cavalier' is said to come from Spanish 'caballero' rather than French 'chevalier'. The medieval guy is really gunning for the church; some of the things he writes are utter twaddle, such as that the survival of medieval churches gives a misleading impression of the importance of faith. It's difficult to believe he could say such a thing if he had any real familiarity with medieval culture: all of it, secular as well as overtly religious, is permeated by Christianity through and through. It seems he has completely failed to understand the cultural climate of the time. The past is another country, as they say, and the historian is like a visiting ambassador. He can have all the facts - although in this case he prefers to base his suggestions on the absence of facts - but if he's not able to put himself in the other guy's shoes he will end up misunderstanding.
This anti-clericalism is part of the book's overall left wing agenda: pro-peasant, pro-Celtic, anti-monarchy. It only really covers Irish history where it intersects with that of England; one chapter refers to Ireland as 'England's back door' - do you know what Ireland says to you about that?. But I think you would expect that; if you want a thorough treatment of Ireland you would buy a specialist book.
Published in 1996, it obviously only goes up to that point; but children's history seems to have gone to pot since then through the influence of the dreaded (and accurately named) Horrible Histories. It's better to have an older book which is relatively sound, than a rubbish recent one. Besides, apart from the Northern Ireland peace process, we have had the good fortune in the last 20 years to live in 'uninteresting times'. I only hope the next 20 will be as uninteresting...
Want to read
June 5, 2013Ok, I know straight history may not qualify as a 'good read' for some, but I'm eager to polish up my sadly lacking knowledge of British history. I plan to delve into medieval historical fiction soon, and I want to put everything into historical context.
July 2, 2015
Amazing book covering covering the evolution of human life from its earliest times down through the ages and up until the present day.
All aspects of history are dealt with, religion, social issues, arts and entertainments, culture, politics, reforms, no stone is left unturned, this is described as the "young Oxford history" though its not aimed at adults, I have read it and thoroughly enjoyed it and even felt I learned some things I hadn't known beforehand.
Littered on every page with drawings, maps or pictures in general to highlight and illustrate points made within the text this is an all inclusive trip through the ages from the dawn of life, civilisation and early man to the year 2000.
Thoroughly enjoyed this as it was so broad in the information contained.
A great read for young and old.
All aspects of history are dealt with, religion, social issues, arts and entertainments, culture, politics, reforms, no stone is left unturned, this is described as the "young Oxford history" though its not aimed at adults, I have read it and thoroughly enjoyed it and even felt I learned some things I hadn't known beforehand.
Littered on every page with drawings, maps or pictures in general to highlight and illustrate points made within the text this is an all inclusive trip through the ages from the dawn of life, civilisation and early man to the year 2000.
Thoroughly enjoyed this as it was so broad in the information contained.
A great read for young and old.
March 18, 2017
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Despite this one being geared toward the youth, I found it informative. Though I knew much of the information already, I find I like to read some of the YA texts to see how the information is presented to a younger audience. Naturally some care has to be given to sensitive subjects and I like to see how that is done in regards to topics I am well-versed in. Great read.
Despite this one being geared toward the youth, I found it informative. Though I knew much of the information already, I find I like to read some of the YA texts to see how the information is presented to a younger audience. Naturally some care has to be given to sensitive subjects and I like to see how that is done in regards to topics I am well-versed in. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews