The Story of Britain (Dillon) and A Short History of England (Jenkins)

 History readings can be broadly categorized as "breadth" or "depth" selections. Both have value, of course. Personally, I like to begin with the former, getting a high-level view of a nation over hundreds of years, and then delving in to the latter to focus on events or people that pique my curiosity. I've recently completed two breadth selections, so similar that they can be reviewed together:

The Story of Britain (Patrick Dillon)
A Short History of England (Simon Jenkins)

First, the similarities: both are recent efforts, published in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Both clock in at 350 pages (plus or minus a few), which is short when you consider they cover 2000 years of history. Both make sure they cover the highlights of each age, summarizing both the famous events and people with which many have at least a rudimentary familiarity. Each follows a familiar pattern: a brief discussion of Roman Britain at the time of Christ, followed by the Anglo-Saxon invasions (~500AD), the Viking incursions (~800AD), and Norman conquest (1066). From there they discuss history by monarch, from William the Conqueror through present day, though the focus shifts more towards parliament as the monarchy saw itself take an increasingly ceremonial role.

Now, on to the differences. The Story of Britain covers a bit more of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland (though still focusing on England), while A Short History of England makes it clear from the beginning that England alone is the focus, making little mention of the other lands. The former is very segmented, giving each topic a page or two of treatment with a clear header; the latter is more free-flowing and covers slightly broader time periods (and multiple events) in, on average, 10 pages (still easily digestible segments). The Story of Britain is told in story style, almost as though it is to be read to an older child at bedtime; I was in turn appreciative and annoyed at the approach. A Short History of England is delivered in a more traditional fashion, though still easy to read.

Short works will, by their nature, be light on details, and as such there were times I felt they cut a little too much out. But, overall, both selections are worthwhile reads, and accomplished their objective of delivering an overview of the history of England (and, to a lesser extent, Britain) in a readable fashion. I now know which periods interest me most, and thus I can better hone my future studies on those eras. As a final benefit, I now feel slightly educated on the topic, and anticipate enjoying the culture and touring that much more.

Rating (for both): A-