Uncool History - Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples

Jeff's Uncool history series continues with a look at Anglo history going way back to the day...

Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill (arranged by Henry Steele Commager).

This is an abridged version of what is a four volume mega set written by Winston Churchill. The short version is good enough for me.

This is an interesting history book that gives a real thorough historical overview of British history and key events in that history along with what happened to Britain's colonial 'children'. Whether we want to admit it or not, America and our culture is a descendant of that country so if we want to understand ourselves we should have some perspective on it. Churchill seemed to feel there was an ongoing relationship/culture/kinship between Britain and all of its former colonies. Hence the 'English Speaking Peoples' reference in the title...

What I think is coolest about this book is listening to Churchill talk about American history from the point of view of an Englishman:

"The Radicals, who began to call themselves 'Patriots,' seized their opportunity to force a crisis."

"In spite of the Boston 'massacre,'..."

It's interesting. Read your history!