I’ve never been much of a history buff but I do quite enjoy reading a bit of history and I have recently really enjoyed Robert Lacey‘s “Great Tales from English History 1: Cheddar Man to the Peasants Revolt”. The book covers the period 7150BC to 1381 via a series of short sharp chapters each telling the tale of a person (or group of people) who have some historical significance. So, in this volume, which is the first of three, there are chapters on well-known figures such as King Alfred, William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart along with lesser-known ones like Elmer the Flying Monk. This is an easy read which whizzes you through this early period of English history (or at least history of the land that eventually becomes known as England), entertaining and informing along the way. Thoroughly recommended for someone like me who stopped studying history atthe age of about 13 but likes to know how everything fits together.
Tim O'Hare 