An Utterly Impartial History of Britain or 2000 Years of Upper-class Idiots in Charge

An Utterly Impartial History of Britain or 2000 Years of Upper-class Idiots in Charge

by JohnO'Farrell (Author)

Synopsis

Many of us were put off history by the dry and dreary way it was taught at school. Back then 'The Origins of the Industrial Revolution' somehow seemed less compelling than the chance to test the bold claim on Timothy Johnson's 'Shatterproof' ruler. But here at last is a chance to have a good laugh and learn all that stuff you feel you really ought to know by now...In this "Horrible History for Grown Ups", you can read how Anglo-Saxon liberals struggled to be positive about immigration; 'Look I think we have to try and respect the religious customs of our new Viking friends - oi, he's nicked my bloody ox!' Discover how England's peculiar class system was established by some snobby French nobles whose posh descendants still have wine cellars and second homes in the Dordogne today. And explore the complex socio-economic reasons why Britain's kings were the first in Europe to be brought to heel; (because the Stuarts were such a useless bunch of untalented, incompetent, arrogant, upper-class thickoes that Parliament didn't have much choice.) A book about then that is also incisive and illuminating about now, "2000 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge" is a hilarious, informative and cantankerous journey through Britain' fascinating and bizarre history. It is as entertaining as a witch burning, and a lot more laughs.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 512
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Doubleday
Published: 22 Oct 2007

ISBN 10: 0385611986
ISBN 13: 9780385611985
Book Overview: A cantankerous history of Britain by one of our most popular humorists

Media Reviews
Excellent...John O'Farrell gives an extra squirm to the traditional English comedy of embarrassment Sunday Times So funny because it rings true...Packed with painfully observed jokes The Times Punchline fuelled, relentless humour...Is John O'Farrell funny? Very! The Mirror A tart narrative voice and a delectably understated way with wisecracks...Very, very funny New York Times O'Farrell is a consistently humorous writer with an acute ear for the absurdities of middle class pretension Mail On Sunday
Author Bio
John O'Farrell studied history at Desborough Comprehensive where he got a B in his History O' level.He later continued his research by watching lots of programmes about the Nazis on the UK History Channel.Apart from that he has published three novels, a memoir and three collections of his popular Guardian column.He is the editor of Britain's most popular satirical website NewsBiscuit and regularly appears on such TV programmes as Have I Got News For You, Newsnight Review and Grumpy Old Men with the result that passing lorry drivers now shout 'Oi, Grumpy!'