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The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places

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The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places

By: Neil Oliver
Narrated by: Neil Oliver
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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places written and read by Neil Oliver.

The British Isles, this archipelago of islands, is to Neil Oliver the best place in the world. From north to south, east to west it cradles astonishing beauty. The human story here is a million years old, and counting. But the tolerant, easygoing peace we enjoy has been hard won. We have made and known the best and worst of times. We have been hero and villain and all else in between, and we have learned some lessons.

The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places is Neil’s very personal account of what makes these islands so special, told through the places that have witnessed the unfolding of our history. Beginning with footprints made in the sand by humankind’s earliest ancestors, he takes us via Romans and Vikings, the flowering of religion, through civil war, industrial revolution and two world wars. From windswept headlands to battlefields, ancient trees to magnificent cathedrals, each of his destinations is a place where, somehow, the spirit of the past seems to linger. Beautifully written, his book is majestic, awe-inspiring, a kaleidoscopic history of a place with a story like no other.

©2018 Neil Oliver (P)2018 Penguin Audio Archaeology War

Critic Reviews

A collection of highly crafted historical-archaeological microessays, each centred on a significant place in Britain or Ireland. Few popular history books are as pleasingly tactile as this one..a vivid, pungent history (James McConnachie)
This book brilliantly demonstrates Neil's mastery of the broad sweep of British history and landscape. (Dan Snow)
All stars
Most relevant  
An insightful and thought-provoking book. I chose this book specifically because it is read by the author, Neil Oliver. I enjoy watching his programs on television, his thick Scottish accent always adds so much more depth to the history he's presenting. This book is no different. Each chapter is, on average, about 5 minutes long and has nothing to do with the previous or following, making them great to listen to anytime you have a free moment. These 100 places that Neil has chosen are a little more obscure than you might normally come across and honestly, I still would have listened if it had been called 1000 places. Get this book, you won't be disappointed.

Loved It.

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Fascination and enlightenment is what I take away from this book, it was well worth the listen.

Fascination and enlightenment

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What a piece art and storytelling. Whoever thinks they need a Marvel novel to be amazed need to get this book.
The passion Oliver has for the subjects is tangible.
Only two things disappointed me about the book- 1) I likely will not experience them all first hand
2) That the book had to end. Vicariously living through the wonders of our species at a time that seems we are trying to tear it all down

Truly a love story for all generations

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Have listened to this story around 5 times from start to finish, love my family history and homeland.

Incredible

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An outstanding book by one of the world's greatest historians.
Just takes you to those special places all around the British Isles. His amazing voice is a dream to hear, his knowledge second to none.
Long my England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland be one.
Amazing book read by an amazing about an amazing place.
Make sure you listen.

Could Not Stop Listening

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Really enjoyed listening to Neil Oliver narrate this book, fascinating stories with deeply thoughtful insights. Looking forward to getting back to ‘these islands’ at some stage (??) and ticking off at least some of the locations that I haven’t already visited.

Loved it

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.