Our Island Story: A History of England for Boys and Girls
by H. E. Marshall, A. S. Forrest (Illustrator)
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Description
Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall's "Our Island Story" is a history of England up to Queen Victoria's death, with some myths and legends mixed in. Marshall's work, which is aimed at a younger audience, was very popular when first published and is credited by historians as an inspiration. Beginning with the legends of Albion and Brutus "Our Island Story" chronicles numerous important English legends, kings, and queens, including King Arthur, Alfred the Great, Edward the Confessor, William the show more Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, and Queen Victoria, amongst many others. This classic historical work is a must-read for any younger reader interested in English history or any parent who wants to educate their children on this fascinating and regal period in the history of Great Britain. This edition includes a biographical afterword. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Somehow the author manages to tell about the English succession of monarchs, wars, beheadings and wicked rulers in a remarkably cheerful, storytelling tone. It's quite an achievement really for a children's author, as I've never seen such a list of tragedy in any book of history. For some strange reason I actually enjoyed it, and even fell asleep occasionally while listening to the Librivox audiobook. But I did start to feel the weight of all that wickedness towards the end of the book, particularly when the Indian rebellion was being described.
The Librivox readers for both parts of the book were excellent.
The Librivox readers for both parts of the book were excellent.
An excellent overview for children of British history through Queen Victoria. We've been reading it off and on during history lessons for nearly two years. It was published in the early 1900s so is dated at times, but it does a good job of pointing out the mistakes as well as the triumphs of each monarch.
(2023)
My 17 year old daughter and I finished this today after slowly reading over the last few years. I gave her her own copy. This is a family favorite and this is my third time reading through it with kids. Wonderful good book on the course of English history through Victoria. Our copy now needs updating as Queen Elizabeth II has now passed away and takes the spot as the longest reigning queen!
(2020)
This is my second time completely through this book with my kids---what a fabulous wonderful story! Our Island Story is a very special book to us. I most recently read it with my 15 and 18 year old sons over the last two years. We finished it on the older son's last day of school and I gave both the boys their own copy. I'm now reading it show more with three other children and rereading it with my 15 year old son for the third time! show less
My 17 year old daughter and I finished this today after slowly reading over the last few years. I gave her her own copy. This is a family favorite and this is my third time reading through it with kids. Wonderful good book on the course of English history through Victoria. Our copy now needs updating as Queen Elizabeth II has now passed away and takes the spot as the longest reigning queen!
(2020)
This is my second time completely through this book with my kids---what a fabulous wonderful story! Our Island Story is a very special book to us. I most recently read it with my 15 and 18 year old sons over the last two years. We finished it on the older son's last day of school and I gave both the boys their own copy. I'm now reading it show more with three other children and rereading it with my 15 year old son for the third time! show less
History as it was taught, isn't any more, but perhaps should be.
AO Y1, AO Y2, AO Y3, AO Y7, AO Y5
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Elevenses
316 works; 88 members
Reading history in Children's Books
78 works; 3 members
Ambleside Y2
33 works; 1 member
Children's Literature 1900 - 1950 in order
413 works; 8 members
Ambleside Year 3
47 works; 1 member
Author Information
47 Works 4,718 Members
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Our Island Story: A History of England for Boys and Girls
- Alternate titles
- An Island Story
- Original publication date
- 1905
- People/Characters
- Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex; Edward the Confessor; Edward I, King of England; Edward II, King of England; Edward III, King of England; Edward IV, King of England (show all 23); Edward V, King of England; Edward VI, King of England; Elizabeth I, Queen of England; George I, King of Great Britain and Ireland; George II, King of Great Britain and Ireland; George III, King of the United Kingdom; George IV, King of the United Kingdom; Lady Jane Grey; Henry I, King of England; Henry II, King of England; Henry III, King of England; Henry IV, King of England; Henry V, King of England; Henry VI, King of England; Henry VII, King of England; Henry VIII, King of England; James VI and I, King of Scots and King of England
- Important places
- Azincourt, Hauts-de-France, France (as Agincourt); Crimea; English Channel; South Africa; England, UK
- Important events
- Hundred Years' War (1337 | 1453); Battle of Agincourt (1415-10-25); Battle of Bosworth Field (1485-08-22); Battle of Crécy (1346-08-26); Anglo-Spanish War (1585 | 1604); Jack Cade's Rebellion (1450) (show all 8); Crimean War (1853 | 1856); Wars of the Roses (1455 | 1485)
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 1,839
- Popularity
- 11,722
- Reviews
- 6
- Rating
- (4.13)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 57
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 31
