"A story from Britain" by Fiona Beddall.

"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.