Great companion to the R4 series and an excellent history of the unions of the UK / GB its constituents and allies.

If recent British political events are making you go "WTF" then you might find this handy. It's a quick precis of the history behind the "United" Kingdom, delving into the backgrounds of various intra-Union tensions in clear chunks. In short, how we got this way.

If recent British political events are making you go "WTF" then you might find this handy. It's a quick precis of the history behind the "United" Kingdom, delving into the backgrounds of various intra-Union tensions in clear chunks. In short, how we got this way.

Perfect short guide to the union and tensions in the UK - where they came from and where we might be headed. Written pre-referendum, it talks about Scotland's vote in the future tense, but remains neutral on the matter.

Don't expect more from it than it can give - it's a primer, no more. Well-informed by the looks of it (not a historian but the author is an expert on Britain). Very easily digestible with perfectly sized chapters as it was a BBC radio series first, made in 15 minute segments. Don't confuse "digestible" with "bland" though, as it does have some bite. The author is very critical of aspects of the British Empire and the constant tendency to self-mythologise.

If you don't know where to start with Britain, I'd recommend this. It gives a good feel for the history and cuts through many stories we tell ourselves & the world.

This is how popular history should be written: at a high enough level to remain engaging (being written in the wake of a Radio 4 series probably helps in that regard), but wearing its erudition lightly enough to show you that there is real intellectual depth to the subjects explored.