Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens by David Mitchell - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details:
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781405953184
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Age Range: Adult

Overview:
Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens is comedian and actor David Mitchell's rollicking tour through the monarchs who shaped a nation. Moving from the legend of King Arthur through to the reign of Elizabeth I, Mitchell strips away the pomp to reveal narcissists, chancers, and "lucky bastards" behind the crown. It's history with genuine wit, genuine research, and plenty of surprises for readers who thought they already knew their kings and queens.

About the Book:
Unruly is an irreverent, deeply researched history that treats England's early monarchs as flawed, often absurd human beings who happened to end up in charge. David Mitchell turns his eye for the ridiculous onto English royal history, from the myth-making around King Arthur through the Anglo-Saxon and Norman kings, the dynastic chaos of the medieval period, and on to the Tudor consolidation of power under Elizabeth I. Along the way readers meet Cnut and his much-misunderstood tide, the legal reforms of Henry II, the marital carnage of Henry VIII, and the political survival of Elizabeth I. Mitchell is candid about the limits of the historical record and enjoys puncturing myths, while never losing sight of the real stakes: taxes, violence, religion, and power, filtered through the accidents of birth and death that decided who wore the crown. The tone is conversational and funny, but the underlying history is solid, drawing on real scholarship to explain how ceremony, propaganda, and luck built the idea of legitimate royal rule. It's a book for readers who want to laugh while learning, working equally well as a primer for newcomers or a fresh take for those who already know the story.

Key Benefits:

• Brings England's early monarchs to life with sharp comic wit and genuine historical insight.
• Accessible narrative history that appeals to casual readers and history enthusiasts alike.
• Written by a beloved, BAFTA-winning comedian and broadcaster known for his intelligent humour.
• A Sunday Times bestseller, ideal as a gift for history lovers and comedy fans.
• Compact paperback format, perfect for travel, commuting, or curling up with at home.

About the Author:
David Mitchell is a BAFTA Award-winning actor, writer, and comedian, well known for starring in Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, and Upstart Crow, as well as his role as a team captain on Would I Lie to You? and host of Radio 4's The Unbelievable Truth. A columnist for the Observer, Mitchell brings his wit and curiosity to Unruly, his first history book, drawing on his own background studying history at university to deliver a story that is both researched and consistently funny.

Why You'll Love This Book:
If you love history told with real personality, Unruly delivers laugh-out-loud moments alongside genuine insight into how England's monarchy came to be. Perfect for fans of witty non-fiction and David Mitchell's inimitable voice.

Please Note: Cover shown may vary slightly; this is the UK edition matching the ISBN listed above.