A History of Britain in Ten Enemies

(Hardback)

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Description

From the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Horrible Histories, this is a witty, whistlestop tour through the history of Britain (for grown ups). Horrible Histories author Terry Deary argues that nations and their leaders are defined by the enemies they make. The surprisingly sadistic Boudica would be forgotten if it weren't for the Ninth Legion, Elizabeth I a minor royal without the Spanish Armada, and Churchill an opposition windbag without the Nazis. Britain loves its heroes so much we have been known to pickle them in brandy to keep them fresh. And after all, every nation sometimes needs a bit of unifying Blitz spirit (although in an ideal world, we wouldn't have accidentally let Corporal Hitler go in the first place). Britain and the British have a proud history of choosing their enemies, from the Romans to the Germans. You might even say they made Britain what it is today...

Reviews

If you could take just one history book to a desert island, this would be it. It is laugh-out-loud funny, but there is also a love of history and story here that is pure JOY. -- Conn Iggulden, author of the Emperor and Conqueror series
Finally a book by Terry Deary that I dont have to sneak into my childrens bedroom at night to steal once theyve gone to asleep. And who better to tell us about Britains enemies than historys greatest ally. Terry Deary has once again delivered a book ram-packed with mind-blowing facts, hilarious characters, and little-known tales. -- Dan Schreiber, author of The Theory of Everything Else and host of No Such Thing As a Fish and We Can Be Weirdos
Terry Deary in his inimitable style somehow manages to keep it down to just ten enemies. Hopefully none of them are unfinished business! -- Al Murray, author of Arnhem Black Tuesday (and special guest drummer on Horrible Histories)
Playful, cheeky, and very clever, this is a book for anyone who ever wished there was a Horrible Histories for grown-ups. A glorious romp through the history of Britains enemies. -- Kate Lister, author of A Curious History of Sex and host of Betwixt the Sheets
Told with characteristic wit and verve, this book makes you question everything you thought you knew about some of the most famous events in British history. Not just an eye-opener, but a mind-opener. -- Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors and joint Chief Curator for Historic Royal Palaces
This book made me proud to be British. Ever since Britain existed as a nation, weve chosen only the fiercest and most fascinating enemies, and we usually put up a pretty good fight. And luckily, only recently have we started to lose to them on penalties. -- Stephen Clarke, author of 1000 Years of Annoying the French

Author Bio

Terry Deary is the author of 340 published books including the acclaimed Horrible Histories series, selling over 38 million books in 45 languages. The series has been adapted for theatre, museum exhibitions and a major CBBC television series, which has gone on to win several Children's BAFTA awards and a British Comedy Award for best sketch show - the first children's show ever to win. Terry was conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Education by Sunderland University in 2000. He currently lives in County Durham with his wife Jenny and is an avid road runner in his spare time.