Some smart history amongst all the jokey rants

I was looking forward to this book. I’m a big fan of history and also David Mitchell on telly, but I was not sure if the book would be more rant or more history. I had not listened to any of David’s books before because I’m not sure I wanted to listen to 9 hours of ranting, however funny. But I think he gets the balance right between history and jokes. Most of the jokes are good and a number made me laugh out loud. The history side is also good and his analysis of certain events can be very informative and perceptive, although overall it was always going to be a dash through the centuries. So top marks for introducing swearing to a history book and let’s hope he does the next batch of monarchs.

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26 people found this helpful

Irritating

This book is neither one thing nor the other. If you are interested in history then you will find DM’s constant digressions irritating and in the alternative you might find the David Mitchellness of it all a bit too fusspotty.
It’s the only audiobook I’ve shouted at.

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4 people found this helpful

Absolute Genius

I thoroughly enjoyed this ‘history’ lesson on the Kings and Queens of England, and having it read by David Mitchell was the icing on the cake ! The brilliant and fascinating stories of the English monarchy at their best and absolute worst is pure genius. There’s no sugar-coating the brutality, madness and downright lunacy of the English Kings/Queens and their ‘henchmen’ that you often find in your classroom history books. This is REAL history, told satirically through the lens of our modern society and culture. It’s solemn in places and hysterically funny in others, but we get the point and the historical context behind it. Thanks David, please write more !

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2 people found this helpful

I don't even write reviews

You don't need to know who David Mitchell is (however unlikely) or like history, and there's still half a chance you'll enjoy listening to this. I am about halfway through and fully intend to listen to it again, once finished and probably more than once. I'll probably end up buying the Kindle version too. I've told my 80-year-old sister-in-law to listen to it, and my 14-year-old teen. There are some teeny rude bits but nothing the average granny isn't seeing on Ladbible whilst trawling through Facebook every night, and its David Mitchell so it doesn't count.

It's a brilliant book and is narrated entirely wonderfully. David Mitchell's delivery will not make you fall asleep while driving, but you might have to pause him whilst you concentrate on parking. If like me, you drive around the UK, and see castles or brown battlefield signs and think that you should look them up when you get home*, you'll enjoy listening to David chat irreverently about kings, battles and old words that have become new words, and you like me will sigh and think "ahhh, so that's where that came from" and try and remember all the town names that end in burgh or brough and then have to rewind to the start of the chapter again.

*Sorry to say I never look them up. I always forget.

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2 people found this helpful

Well I loved the David Mitchellness of it.

I’m a bit of a fan, love the way he writes, speaks, is. What with this book and Horrible Histories on You Tube I could give Dame Mary Beard a run for her money.

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1 person found this helpful

Utterly brilliant.

Firstly, I would’ve read this in David’s voice but, driving as much as I do, this audiobook was my choice medium based on health and safety grounds. This hasn’t worked out as safe as I’d assumed. I have been laughing my way through traffic jams and road closures with abandon.

For a subject I found to be tiresome during my schooling, this book and David’s narration has held me spellbound. The only relief from the boredom of a history lesson at school I had was the sexiness of my teacher. If only my teacher had been David, I might of actually learned something historical rather than just learn that a smart woman can also be very sexy. Something I feel we may both have in common.

Read or listen, this is what The Hitchhikers Guide to The Royals would’ve been like.

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1 person found this helpful

The most entertaining non fiction ever

Beautifully written that even if you read it you could feel David personality come through in his text. So hilarious I have now listened to to three times. Just a gorgeous little treat that feels like classic British comedy and our history entwined. Please write history more!

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Great Overview of British Royalty

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I’ve read various summaries of British aristocracy and David’s book is one of my favourites. It’s witty & intelligent and delivered passionately

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Fascinating and funny

Much more entertaining than I thought it might be. Very funny and very interesting- well worth a listen.

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A marvellous view of history.

This is a great and informative read for anyone; from history novices to history geeks. The tie ins with modern comparisons are especially well done. Humorous throughout, it is a joy to experience.

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