"A story from Britain" by
Fiona Beddall.
This book
tells the story of Britain, explained
how the past shaped Britain today.
From the invasion of the Romans and other invaders continuing. Also mentions
some great and not so great people who formed the British nation.
The battles or
struggles that they had to do and face, to achieve the achievements.
This book also details roughly the progress that
each group of invaders contributed
to this nation, like religion, politics, customs, etc..
The book has six chapters:
The 1st chapter, speaks of the "invasions".
Mentioning to the Romans, as the first invaders in 55 BC. Then followed the Anglo
and Saxons, The Vikings and The Normans, who contributed an enormous influence in
Britain, the language, culture, etc.
Also described a significant opposition to the Roman invasion, Boudica, who
wanted to rule his own people and land.
The 2nd chapter is "The United Kingdom",
"England is a country, but not a state.'s Part of a state called. The
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. "Explains the
relationship between four countries that make it up (England, Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland), problems in religious and social beliefs.
The 3rd chapter, "God and Government",
as changed from Catholic to Protestant country, its reasons and consequences describing
the reigns that happened in these changes.
The 4th chapter, "Parliament against the king", continues the story of
Britain since the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, details the power
struggle between the monarchy and parliament.
Mention "The Magna Carta" which was the first bill of rights. The
English named it as the foundation of English liberties, which determined, the
customs that the king and his counselors have a duty to observe and were
obliged to respect it.
This chapter also talks about the Civil War, supporters and supporters of
Charles I.
The 5th chapter, "Power to the People", from the 15th century,
ordinary people have the same protection under the law as lords but only people
with money could vote for politicians or join Parliament.
The Industrial Revolution , an important milestone and its consequences,
which caused a terrible living conditions of workers in the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries , causing a revolutionary spirit that ultimately helped to
modernize and improve the lives of people .
Finally the 6th chapter, "Britain 's Great Empire" , is the growth
and decline of the great empire of Britain, their presence in America, India
and around the world . The war against Napoleon. The Empire in Africa. His
performance in the first and second world wars , which in turn led to the end
of the Empire , and finally the place of Britain in the world today and that is
part of the Commonwealth and the European Union .
The story begins from the Roman Empire , two thousand years ago to the two
world wars that led to the end of the Empire , to the present day .
She named several characters that influenced the long history of Britain but
I'll try to name which in my opinion were the ones who initiated or influenced
the most significant in its history.
Julius Caesar, Roman general and statesman who led the first invasion of
Britain in 55 BC .
Henry II , King of England , the first of the Plantagenet dynasty , was marked
by a strengthening of royal power in constant struggle against the feudal lords
and the Church.
William I of England better known as William the Conqueror. He conquered
England in 1066 and took the throne to Harold of Wessex , claiming a legitimate
on the island to be a cousin of Edward the Confessor , Anglo-Saxon king of
England , and installing there the Norman dynasty.
Henry VIII was King of England and Lord of Ireland . He was the second Tudor
monarch , heir to his father, Henry VII . Famous for marrying six times. He
exercised absolute power among all English monarchs . Among the most notable of
his reign included his break with the Roman Catholic Church , and was
established as head of the Church of England , Church of England , the
Dissolution of the Monasteries , and the union of England with Wales
Boudica , a great opposition to the Romans .
Britain was part of the Roman Empire for almost 400 years!.
The Roman Empire made its mark in Britain, and even today,
the ruins of Roman buildings, forts, roads, and baths can be found in Britain. The
Romans also brought Art, organized religion, legal system, language as the
influence of Latin, etc.
It was also mentioned the failed invasion of Spain.
The Tudors were a Welsh-English family that ruled England from 1485-1603 one of
the most exciting periods of British history.
I can conclude that Britain without their empire, today is a small country with
a great history.
In my opinion this book is excellent to understand the strong influences
of invasions in England, as well as understand how the nation changes in the social, religious and political.
For this reason I recommend this book.
I liked it because in summary detailing the history of England.
The author's style is good, the
reading is easy
and without great details makes it a quick read.
And of course, I recommend it again.
