'The best short introduction to English history we have seen.' (The Good Book Guide) 'It would be difficult to find a better written, more succinct account of its subject than this book. Christopher Hibbert drives the story of these islands ... in crisp vivid prose that never flags.' (Country Landowner) 'Christopher Hibbert is perhaps the most gifted popular historian we have.' (Times Educational Supplement)

Christopher Hibbert was an acclaimed historian and widely published biographer, renowned for his ability to weave together political, social, and art historical narratives into a lively whole. Sean Lang is senior lecturer in History at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. He has published many books and articles and broadcasts regularly. John Broadley is a London-based illustrator. He has illustrated many books and his illustrations have appeared in the New York Times Book Review, Observer Food Monthly, Art Review, and the FT Weekend magazine.