52 Times Britain was a Bellend: The History You Didn't Get Taught At School

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Emily Barrett from the publisher says: "James' book is that wonderful combination of hilarious and informative (with a pinch of self-loathing that we Brits are either excellent at or need to become so as a matter of urgency). For those who would like a deeper and more nuanced look at these events, you'll also be disappointed. For obviously, there are many things in its history that contradict these principles, such as the lawless invasions and misappropriations of so many countries, a racial democracy for Anglo-Saxons for the majority of its history, and economic colonialism which, whether by mercantilism or unfair trade, reduced its imperial provinces and many non-European countries to merely raw materials suppliers. It shouldn't really be the case - how poorly we British treated our own, our colonial subjects, our neighbours and rivals shouldn't feel lessened by repetition or by a humorous/satirical treatment.

Not only this, it’s an informative read, truly shocking me about our nations history and opening my eyes to the racist, homophobic and sexist nation that we are- which is saying something given our current society. I completely see how the current Government are perfect examples of the bumbling, ignorant, selfish public school boys that happily stole from everyone. My only criticism is that I find each passage is too short and could do with some more detail to provide better context.Ireland did of course try to attain actual economic independence, by protectionism and autarky, but unfortunately this didn’t work. There are also some surprisingly bad edits in the narration - the chapter on Richard the Lionheart is particulary messy.

Twitter hero James Felton brings you the painfully funny history of Britain you were never taught at school, fully illustrated and chronicling 52 of the most ludicrous, weird and downright 'baddie' things we Brits* have done to the world since time immemorial - before conveniently forgetting all about them, of course.

It didn't really dip in quality in any real sense, but in truth it settled in to a slightly limited 'coffee table' or 'toilet book' niche, and the impact of reading about mainly pre 1950s British colonial atrocities lessened. The prior history of Ireland is a case in point, in that the first few decades of independence, while having full formal political and economic sovereignty, consisted of decline and near collapse. However, the spray paint and graffiti applied by the BLM demonstrators will be left in place to reflect modern opinion and the history of Bristol.

It pulled no punches on the truth and I LOVE how blunt it was about, let’s be honest, how much of a proper bellend Britain has been through the ages. And so long as the EU didn’t exist, as an economic and political organisation in which we could for the first time participate as equals, the future for Ireland would not have been likely great. This is a good gift for those acquaintances who aren't particularly clued up on British history, but don't half love to bang on about how great Britain is. I therefore feel harsh to criticise what is a well-written and well-meaning book which will be the stimulus for further and more in-depth reading on my part.My viewpoint has been changing and I think this slim and irreverent volume may teach me a great deal about the reality.

The only caveat is that there's a LOT of swearing, so if you're not into that, and the title didn't already give you a clue, best steer clear.Felton has a true knack for making the worst of our history laugh out loud funny, which I did many a time reading this book. There are, however other years that have existed besides 1939 to 1945, and so a slightly more sophisticated version of this nationalism, will indeed have a better historical range, but yet will still have the same self-evasive cowardice when it comes to the many negative aspects that occurred in the course of English history. Initially both amusing and shocking, this slim volume received as a Christmas present was entertaining and absorbing.