'This is an excellent, compact national history. It is a perfect primary source for teaching students of English culture.' - Michael Pace-Sigge, University of Eastern Finland, Finland 'At a time when political debate is in need of accurate historical detail in order to reflect on the present appropriately, Jeremy Black's history provides a solid starting ground from which British people today can test their contemporary identity.' - Christophe Declercq, University of Antwerp, Belgium

A core introductory textbook that provides students with a concise overview of the full sweep of English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh history, from pre-Roman times right through to the present day. Jeremy Black offers a balanced and absorbing account of a group of islands, their peoples, their extraordinary shared past and their remarkable impact on the rest of the world.

This is an ideal set text for dedicated modules on British history, or a supplementary text for broader modules on European history, which may be offered at all levels of an undergraduate history or European studies degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying the history of Britain for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in British or European history.

New to this Edition:
- Revised and updated throughout in light of the latest research
- Provides coverage of recent events
- Pays greater attention to social developments