Delighted to feature the new release from Mike Biles – A Bit about Britain’s History: From a long time ago to quite recently.
About the book
Could this short, elegant, volume be the only book on British history you’ll ever need?
A Bit About Britain’s History is for anyone who wants a serious, yet light, introduction to Britain’s amazing story. If you don’t know the basics, or would like a reminder, this book is for you. It is also perfect for those that didn’t enjoy history at school, but who have suddenly realised they’d like to understand it a bit better now.
What did the Romans achieve? How did Christianity arrive? Who are the English and why did they fight the French so often? What is Henry VIII’s greatest legacy? When did democracy start and people get the vote? Why on earth did Britain get involved in WW1?
Organised clearly and chronologically, A Bit About Britain’s History covers every period from a long time ago until quite recently. It begins by briefly mentioning that the place was once inhabited by extremely large lizards, and ends up with a post-war 20th century consumer society. Brief articles explain the essential aspects of Britain’s past, including how the ancestors of its current inhabitants arrived, how they fought each other, formed nations, fell out over religion, acquired a large empire, became gradually more democratic, helped win a couple of world wars and were left wondering what to do next. At the end of the book are detailed timelines for each period, which provide useful reference and make fascinating reading in their own right.
A Bit About Britain’s History might be the only book on British history you’ll ever need; or it might be your stepping stone to more in-depth academic reading
An early review for the book
Helen Devries Multum in Parvo…a super overview of the history of Britain
It is accurate, it is easy to read, and its wealth of information is delivered with humour.
Thanks to good teaching and a lifelong interest I do know my history, but still enjoyed the book, which would be ideal for someone a bit hazy on who and when all the Georges were or what happened to the Druids.
The timeline section is very useful to anchor the text – though when I lived near Happisburgh for a while I had the impression that the humanoid presence of 700 to 800 BC had left living traces…
Read the reviews and buy the book in print and kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mike-Biles/e/B07W928W23
And on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Biles/e/B07W928W23
Follow Mike on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19553725.Mike_Biles
About Mike Biles
Mike has lived in Britain all his life and generally loves the place, warts and all. He first learned history on his dad’s knee and went on to study medieval and modern British and European history at university. He was planning on teaching it, but then drifted into a career running his own business. Despite having worked with some of the UK’s most prestigious firms, he is often at his happiest with his nose in a history book, or exploring a historic site where the past is close. Several years ago, Mike began a blog – now an increasingly authoritative website – ‘A Bit About Britain’. He had to write a bit about Britain’s history for the website, and it seemed only sensible to put the material into his first book, ‘A Bit About Britain’s History’.
Connect to Mike Biles
Website home page – http://bitaboutbritain.com/
Blog page – http://bitaboutbritain.com/blog-2/
Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/bitaboutbritain/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/bitaboutbritain
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/bit1032/
Thank you for dropping in today and it would be great if you could spread the news about Mike’s new book.. thanks Sally.
This sounds like a most interesting book, Sally. Right up my street.
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I am sure you will enjoy Robbie..hugs
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Thank you! Of course, it’s absolutely fascinating..! 🙂 Best regards, Mike.
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I follow Mike’s blog so I’m looking forward to reading the book, especially as I love exploring Britain.
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Fantastic Janet.. x
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Thanks, Janet – much appreciated! Mike.
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Sounds like an interesting way to gain an introduction to British history, for those unfamiliar with it. Unfortunately, most people today don’t have a clue about history.
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Which is very sad Barbara.. since it is fascinating.. having read some of Mike’s posts and shared them here, I am sure that the book will be very interesting..
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Sadly, I think that’s true; or, at least, some people have the fixed view in their heads that suits them and their outlook. When I was younger I simply loved the stories; later, of course, I started to see how they joined up. All the best, Mike.
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sounds like a good book; I wonder how the U.S. is portrayed in such a book…
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I am sure that Mike will enlighten you Jim.
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that’s what makes me nervous! 🙂
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lol..I think you two will get on..x
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it seems like we will…
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Good question! As a much bigger country about 4000+ miles to the west…? But the book does briefly mention accidentally losing 13 colonies and that, as a consequence, we had to start sending our convicts to Australia. Thus, Britain helped create two of the world’s great democracies. It also observes that the USA seems to be getting along OK without us 🙂 Hopefully, the book provides a good foundation for people to build upon – or a reminder for some of things they might have learned at school if only they’d been paying attention. All the best, Mike.
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sounds like Britain was the world’s first venture capitalist, but focused on launching countries and not businesses. And your last comment is righton target; I’ve started to appreciate history much more as I get older, and I wish I had paid attention when I was younger. Not sure if you ever read the Glory and the Dream, but it is one of my all-time favorites, and it is sort of a populist view of U.S. history. Thanks, Mike, and I wish you the best with the book.
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This does sound interesting, a bit like Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything” but focused on Britain. Thanks for sharing this.
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Thanks Jacqui..x
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Nice idea, Jacqui – maybe not quite as erudite as Bill… And you’ve reminded me that someone borrowed that book and hasn’t returned it yet..! All the best, Mike.
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Delighted to share the new book Mike.
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Nice to learn about Mike and his book. I’m addicted to British history and all things monarchy so this book has just been added to my list. ❤
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Fantastic thanks Debby ♥
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Thank you ❤
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That’s great – thank you, Debby; the book certainly mentions a monarch or three! All the best, Mike.
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Thank you Mike. 🙂
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MIke´s blog posts are so informative and interesting, so I know the book will be fabulous! Perfect for those of us who enjoy history and just might get others interested. Best of luck with this one, Mike.
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Very flattering, Darlene – thank you very much!
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Fantastic thanks Darlene..hugsx
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What a great review! I’ve followed Mike’s blog for many moons and find it to be filled with interesting content delivered in a way that makes you want to read more. I’m so looking forward to doing just that with his book!
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Fabulous.. and have a lovely weekend.
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You say the nicest things, Jeanie! x
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I have been following Mike’s blog for a little while now and have always been impressed by the amount of research he does and the clarity and humour of his writing. His photographs are excellent, too. I have bought his book and made a start on it (I haven’t had much time for reading recently). All extremely good so far!
Thanks for the great review, Sally and well done again, Mike!
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Thank you Clare and I am sure Mike will be delighted you are enjoying his book..
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You are very kind, Clare! And thank you so much for buying the book, too – hope you enjoy! All the best, Mike.
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Thank you, Mike and my pleasure.
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