Request for History

[Chris]

I'm looking for recommendations of a good history of northern Europe up to Medieval times. Would prefer something that focuses on the early history of England, Scotland, Ireland, etc, but a more general history would do.

[Mister D]

http://www.amazon.com/Religion-Western-Culture-Christopher-Dawson/dp/0385421109/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375633997&sr=1-1&keywords=christopher+dawson

http://www.amazon.com/Formation-Christendom-Christopher-Dawson/dp/1586172395/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375633997&sr=1-4&keywords=christopher+dawson

Anything by Christopher-Dawson.

[Germanicus]

Hey mate. My Dad gave me this old book called The Groundwork of British History. It is very interesting because it was written when Empire was still something to take pride in. Its written by Warner and Martin. It is very detailed. I only have Part 2. I have been meaning to get Part 1. Thanks for reminding me. I just googled and it seems easy enough to find.

[Peter1469]

Caesars' Commentaries (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0976072610) are great; maybe too early for what you are looking for- and it isn't from the point of view of the locals. Just remember, the book is not just history, it is political- Caesar does embellish and his real audience was the Roman Senate.

I used to have another book that basically edited the Commentaries to make it more historically accurate- i.e. take the politics and blustering out of it. I can remember the name of that book.

[KC]

I know it's not exactly early, Chris, and maybe not what you're looking for, but I think that you might like The Origin of the Welfare State in England and Germany, 1850-1914. It's a more in depth analysis that explains the origins and really two models of welfare legislation that are still dominant models today.

Also a very interesting podcast is Norman Centuries by Lars Brownworth (http://normancenturies.com/). Maybe a little more what you're looking for, plus you can always listen to them in the car on the way to work or w/e.

[Mister D]

nice find, KC.

[KC]

nice find, KC.

Well you were the one who showed me the other Podcast by Lars Brownworth, 12 Byzantine Rulers. That one is also very good.

[Mister D]

I didn't know he had this. Should make good bedtime listening .

[Chris]

Well you were the one who showed me the other Podcast by Lars Brownworth, 12 Byzantine Rulers. That one is also very good.

Noticed it was the same author when I looked it up. Good find.

[Adelaide]

I highly suggest: An Utterly Impartial History of Britain or 2000 years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge by John O'Farrell (http://www.amazon.com/Utterly-Impartial-History-Britain-Idiots/dp/0552773964)

It's like learning history from a stand-up comedian. Good read. A lot of history books are very dry reading (still good, but dry) whereas he makes history very fun. I read the book quite quickly because it was just so entertaining.