Arts Music Key Stage 2 Books : Our Island Story: A History of Britain for Boys and Girls, from the Romans to Queen Victoria

Our Island Story: A History of Britain for Boys and Girls, from the Romans to Queen Victoria

£8.50


Christian propaganda? - I absolutely agree with the majority of the reviewers of this charming book, it is a fantastic way to present history to children. Enough has been said about that, but not enough has been said about the cringeworthy pro-Christian message that laces some of the chapters. I found it quite tasteless, it absolutely glosses over some of the atrocities of the early Christian church. Some of the revisionism is simply astonishing.Parents trying to bring up their child in a balanced way should point out to their children that, just like the author suggests there probably wasn t a wizard called Merlin who lived in fairyland, there probably wasn t a man called Jesus who was the son of God either.

Truthful!! - Our Island Story by Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall was first published in 1905. This children s history of Britain , from the time of the Romans to the death of Queen Victoria, became an instant classic. Beautifully written, with the narrative sweep of the best story-tellers, Our Island Story went through many editions and remained one of the most popular one-volume histories of Britain up until its final edition in 1953. Leading historians of the present day like Lady Antonia Fraser and Andrew Roberts have testified to the effect that this book had on them by igniting a passionate love of history in young minds through its thrilling narrative.

Fierce struggle and high intrigue, magic and poisoned daggers, and a queen who defied the norm... - It looks more like a history book than anything else, but as soon as I started reading Our Island Story, I was fascinated. Combining English history with folklore and fairytales, and with a narrative voice so homely that you immediately envision biscuits and milk by a quaint fireplace, this book is charming from the beginning. As a young girl raised on Hans Christian Anderson and The Brothers Grimm, I ve come to expect a lot from my fairy-tales, and the accounts of Merlin and Arthur, Boadicea, and the Civil War are dramatic and moving, and it infuses the characters and dates taught in schools with feelings and emotions, provides history with a sense of humanity. And the pictures - vibrant and engaging - provided an entertaining accompaniment. I m sixteen and I m in love with this book. The little children I babysit (7 and 9) were as interested when I read them an excerpt the other day. What more recommendation does it need?!

Buy it!!! - Our Island Story is truly exceptional. I remember my grandfather reading me this book when I was younger, and being fascinated by what is truly a great narrative of British history. Now reading it to my friend s children, both they (and I!) feel the same. History is suddenly exciting, even the TV is less attractive!! What is more, this new edition has been supplemented with brilliant illustrations that really brings the book alive in their minds. I can only say, buy it!

A sumptuous new edition - Even if you ve already got the hardback edition of Our Island Story, this new paperback version truly is a keepsake worth buying. The publishers have really put the icing on the cake with this edition by taking a series of glorious paintings from the Palace of Westminster to illustrate H.E Marshall s magical retelling of history. These surprisingly sharp and colourful reproductions will undoubtedly delight children and adults alike with their sumptuous detail.




Our Island Story: A History of Britain for Boys and Girls, from the Romans to Queen Victoria