Published Books Available on Amazon
All royalties are donated to the Alzheimer’s Society
(Registered Charity Number 296645).
“1066 and all that” was a “Memorable History of England” comprising all the parts you can remember, including 103 Good Things, 5 Bad Kings and 2 Genuine Dates". It ends (Spoiler Alert!) after the Great War when America became Top Nation and English history came to a full stop.
Now, despite America’s undoubted success all empires come with an expiry date. Although Americans might not like this, the next Top Nation, The Peoples Republic of China, is growling impatiently in the wings. Who can doubt that after the unedifying shenanigans of the last American Presidential election the end is pretty much nigh. Furthermore, as next year is the >250th anniversary of independence, it seems an appropriate time for a new “Memorable History” but this time of America. This small tract has been compiled in much the same way as a modern-day Tribute Band. It will steal as much as possible from the original and hope that no one notices that it is nowhere near as good. It will, of course, still comprise all the parts of American history you can remember but with slightly fewer Good Things, 5 Bad Presidents instead of Kings and 3 extra Genuine Dates (sorry). So here goes, a memorable history of America, “1766 and all that”.
It was thus assumed that after China becomes Top Nation another “Memorable History” would not be needed for some considerable time. Unfortunately, some EU Federalists are insisting that it is the they are set to be the next Top Nation. The author thus felt that he needed to drag himself out of retirement and put this issue to bed.
Ironically, it did not take long to realize that not only was this claim delusional but that the EU,
already weakened by Brexit, was facing its own existential crisis. With increasing political divisions, an economy in decline and war raging on its borders survival rather than world domination should have been the EU’s main focus. So, with their own end fast approaching, another “Memorable History” is, in fact, needed.
While England and America have a notable year which defines their history, Europe is a little more complicated. No doubt some would go back to Ancient Greece as the source of its democratic and cultural heritage while others would probably argue that Charlemagne was Pater Europae (Father of Europe). They would all be wrong. No, the key date derives from the mercifully short, Seven Week War of 1866. That was when the Prussians defeated the mighty Austrian Empire.
This led to the unification of German states and a fully, fledged, German Nation. The French were not happy and so declared war which, naturally, they lost. Their growing enmity towards this new European Big Beast led to two World Wars after which treaties were signed which aimed to bind France and Germany together putting an end to future conflict. These eventually led to the formation of the EU we have today. So here goes, a “Memorable History” of Europe, “1866 and all that”. (Rest assured, 1866 will be the only date used in this little tome!).
About The Author
The author is a Physicist who, in his teens, was given a copy of the wonderful “1066 and all that” by his father. If only school history lessons had been as free of dates and half as much fun as the book he may have become an historian. Perhaps any Americans or Europeans who have read these books will be very happy that he did not!
If you’d like to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question about my books, want to discuss historical topics, or simply wish to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I do my best to respond to all messages as soon as possible.