Hope and Glory: The Days That Made Britain

I've read other Stuart Maconie books, but this is far and away the best. The way that Stuart has chosed a day per decade then woven in all the other historical facts and stories leading up to and beyond the selected event can only be described as masterful. I enjoyed it so much that I was disappointed to get to the end. If you want a good (and very funny in parts) overview of history of the 20th century then download this

This is a social history of the 20th Century. I suppose a lot depends on wether you like Stuart Maconie.
I do. It tells you a lot about what happened in the last century and how it effects life today.
It's frightening to think of some of the things he describes happened within living memory.
It really makes you think. But it's not boring or dusty history. It's very entertaining and funny as well.
I highly recommend it.

Loved listening to this book but I must admit to sharing Mr Maconie's political views. I think some of the more more right wing inclined listeners will not enjoy or agree with some of the views expressed but regardless, it is still a fascinating listen and gives an alternative opinion to some of the key events the in the last century than that expressed in the tabloids.

Highy recommended and a great follow-up to 'Pies and Prejudice'.

I really enjoyed Mr Maconie's 'down to earth' history lesson. It can be enjoyed as a relaxing listen or a summary of the inspiring scale of British achievement; and on the odd occasion... failure.

It is very well written and narrated by Stuart, but can infrequently be a little melancholic. I am from Northern England, so the narration is rather self indulgent, but it will be enjoyed by all who are interested in easily accessible and insightful history of pivotal events in Britain's rich history.

The depth of Stuart's 'researches' are evident and really do make the book all the more enjoyable and ensure that you maintain complete interest from start to finish. Well done SMc!!!

This was a fantastic book. I much enjoyed the narration by the author and felt that his reading his own words made them all the more powerful. I think it helps that I am of the same generation as Stuart Maconie and therefore many of the cultural references were relevant to me particularly the sections on the1997 general election and on trade unions and the miners' strike. I was left with the feeling that when I am on a day out I would like to take the author along with me as be finds out the most interesting facts.

This is well-researched, well-written and well-narrated. I have to confess that my own politics are almost diametrically opposed to Mr Maconie's, and one or two things did grate, but for anyone interested in recent political and social history of the UK, this book is a must have.