Jeremy Black's vigorous and fascinating study tells the story of a group of islands, their peoples, and their remarkable impact on the rest of the world. From the earliest pre-history right up to the present day, this stirring account describes the astonishingly varied stages through which the British Isles have passed to achieve their current identity. Unlike most other texts, 'A History of the British Isles' is not just a history of England. Proper weight is given to all four, often fractious, components of the British Isles — England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales — providing the reader with an admirably balanced and absorbing narrative of an extraordinary shared past. Thoroughly revised and up-to-date, this timely third edition now contains fresh insights and incorporates more material on social and cultural history.

The third edition of this best-selling book has been thoroughly revised to reflect the changing nature of the discipline. New forms of history are included in the text, including popular and TV histories. Illustrative matter from more up-to-date works now sit alongside a broader discussion of postmodernism and the balance of canonical historians has now been readdressed to reflect current trends. With advice on writing essays and dissertations and preparing for exams, the skills section has also been expanded to include group work and oral presentations, and deals with using the Internet for assignments. Collectively then, this book remains a must for any student embarking on the exciting adventure that is studying history.