Unruly

The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens

De: David Mitchell

Narrado por: David Mitchell

INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER • A rollicking history of England’s kings and queens from Arthur to Elizabeth I, a tale of power, glory, and excessive beheadings by award-winning British actor and comedian David Mitchell

“Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell [is] a funny man and a skilled historian.”―The Times

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.

Taking us back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn’t exist), Mitchell tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It’s a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few Cnuts, as the English evolved from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.

How this happened, who it happened to, and why the hell it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history—and won’t let it off the hook for the mess it’s made.

A funny book that takes history seriously, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be—and who is to blame.

©2023 David Mitchell (P)2023 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Clever and amusing . . . gloriously bizarre . . . razor sharp . . . People who have never before picked up a history book will read and enjoy this one.” —The Times

“David Mitchell brings a delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous eye to the history of the English monarchy, offering a jewel of an insight or a refreshing blast of clarifying wit on every page. Unruly is informative, illuminating, and very, very funny.” —Jesse Armstrong, writer and creator of Succession

“A sardonic, endlessly funny update to the classic 1066 and All That.” —Kirkus Reviews

Hysterical! I loved this. well done.

Brilliant writing, funny, well read.
I suppose Mr. Mitchell reading it himself added even more funny inflections in just the right spots. I will be listening again soon. I bought a copy for my aunt, who taught me the love of always learning. English history is convoluted, but this book actually helped sort it out better for me than any other book I've read...or listened to.

Humorous history at its’ finest

I was unfamiliar with the author of this book prior to reading it. After going on a bit of a Tracy Borman kick, I was recommended an interview of the author and enjoyed his take on the same subject matter. Fast-forward to me starting on this and I was throughly entertained all the way through.

There is a bit of a feeling of needing to be in on the joke given the subject matter. The author makes it clear that if you come into this book not knowing what the Battle of Hastings then you are probably in too deep. So the only knock I would give it is that it won’t serve you as well if it is your first book on the subject of the English monarchy. There is plenty you will enjoy regardless, but this will serve you better as a second book on the subject.

With that caveat, I heartily recommend it if you have even a passing interest in the subject matter.

Fabulous history of the English monarchy from Arthur to Elizabeth.

David Mitchell a tremendous job infusing his intelligence and unabashed sense of humor into a quick, fun, listenable history of early English monarchs through the Tudors. I highly recommend the audiobook version to hear Mitchell’s sometimes sarcastic delivery. Yes, the books trods over well worn ground, but the humor and the allusions to current events really liven things up. David, if you read this, please follow this up with another volume of history and musings. It was a real treat….

Perfect!

Exactly what I hoped it would be. If my psychological profile of David is correct, he will absolutely read this and all of the other reviews on here. So… David, excellent work! Do more of this. I understand that this took enormous effort, but if you write more I will read more, or listen. In fact I would gratefully watch a show that aligns with the same style and content. James Burke 2.0

Superb

Superb. I'm not sure what else needs to be said really. Informative, entertaining and magnetic. I can't wait for his next one.

Fascinating

I’m a simple man… I see David Mitchell, I click. I see a book of English, history, I click. So imagine my delight when they came as a package deal!

It’s everything you’d want- witty, informative, and, thanks to Mitchell’s looks into his own relationship with the material, a touch endearing.

Also, when are we getting an Emma of Normandy biopic!?

Wonderful narration and dry wit

Although it’s high level, it was very entertaining — even for an Anglophile who reads a lot of British history

Incredibly entertaining and humane

I love a creative and fresh as well as an earnest and honest book about history that isn’t afraid to take a point of view.

Very funny

Some modern rants mixed in with some history. There’s a little something for everyone. If you like David Mitchell you’ll like this book

Mitchell’s Historical Banger

It is wonderful to hear his wit through his own voice and he will teach you some lovely, hilarious, and random bits and bobs about the Kings and Queens of England that you never knew or even suspected. First rate! And please, more histories from Mr. David Mitchell!