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David McK (3610 KP) rated A History of Britain in 10 enemies in Books
Sep 28, 2025
Perhaps best known for his 'Horrible Histories' series of books, mainly aimed at kids (although, as an adult, I like them too!)
This is aimed more at the adult market than those, with Deary's thesis being - essentially - that it is the island of Britain's enemies through the ages that has forged the national identity. I'm not entirely sold on that, or on who he has chosen - as someone who lived through the tail end of 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland, I found that chapter especially jarring - with some of his 'dad jokes' getting old pretty quick.
Still, if you take it for what it is (and not entirely rely upon this as a single gospel source of truth), it's a pleasant enough overview of the history of Britain