This Sceptred Isle: Twentieth Century: From the Death of Queen Victoria to the Dawn of a New Millennium

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. In this volume, the author looks at Britain from the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 up to the present day. The text covers the century's major political and economic events, as well as the scientific and cultural changes that have influenced the day-to-day lives of British people.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

500 pages, Hardcover

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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