Status Updates From Wyspy. Historia

As the English nation develops in the medieval period I do notice the author’s tendency to try to deconstruct everything. For example he’s quite dismissive of the idea of the Magna Carta influencing Anglosphere politics today. It’s a very late 20th century way of looking at things which is a touch annoying. But he still covers a lot of ground and gives a sense of the complexity of it all. So I’m enjoying it.

Pretty enjoyable reading about the origins of the English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish peoples so far

I’ve just started this massive book and the author has already got off on the wrong foot. When describing prehistoric Britain, he refuses to use terms like the “English Channel” and “Wales” because that would be anachronistic and nationalistic. He uses “The Sleeve” and “The Afternoon Country”. As well as being cringe, these are just things he made up, and makes it extremely difficult to follow.

Oh Valar! I'd forgotten how long-winded Norman Davies can be.